Confusing and lengthy process

jo0911

Hi everyone,

I’m new here. Hope everyone is okay?
I’m hoping for some insight into my process and opinion on what may be happening?
I applied for PIP on 21/06/23 using a disability advice charity. I had a telephone assessment on 09/08/23, then a letter later in August to say they had the information needed to make a decision. In the meantime my surname had changed and they wrote to me in September to ask about that, I replied by letter then in October they wrote to ask for documentation to verify my surname change which was posted back on the same day. I have called several times and have been told my claim is still under review. They had the information from my application and assessment in August though to make a decision. I still have no update (today is 09/11/23). Does this sound familiar at all? I just have no context as to what is happening here. Thank you. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @jo0911

Sorry to hear that it is taking a while for them to get back to you. Unfortunately waiting times have been long. It is a familiar occurrence we hear on the community from other members. Also when they have sent additional information on request. I hope you hear something back soon

poppy123456

Sometimes decisions take longer than others. We usually advise up to 12 weeks but sometimes it can be longer. 

jo0911

Hi everyone I have an update. My original claim went in in June, and I received a text this morning to say I have been awarded PIP and to wait for a letter with more details (the letter can take up to 2 weeks apparently?). It’s looking like a 5 month period from claim to award then. I wish I knew what my award looks like in terms of low/medium/high rates etc but only another 2 weeks to see.

poppy123456

Great news. You can ring PIP to ask what you've been awarded and they will tell you. You can also ask when to expect any money owed into your bank and they will tell you what day.

jo0911

Thank you Poppy, I’m so glad I used a charity to help me with the application as I don’t think I would have considered how to best explain how my life is affected (PTSD and a disc prolapse). I also found my telephone assessment very supportive and the nurse prompted me a lot which helped. For example, I said I didn’t need aids to help clean myself and she asked if I used anything like a long handled sponge etc which I do and I hadn’t realised that was an aid. I’m now waiting (about 10 weeks so far) to hear if my little boy is awarded DLA for his medical conditions but I didn’t use a charity for that.

Albus_Scope

Excellent news @jo0911 I'm so happy for you!  I'll be keeping everything crossed for your little ones DLA.