Pip Assessment

Lanson66

I had a telephone assessment for PiP on 25 January. Today I have had a text message and subsequent telephone call asking me to book a further assessment on 14 March!! I don’t understand why I require an additional assessment as my original assessment was around an hour.

Is anyone able to advise please as this further delay is going to cause me tremendous additional anxiety and stress 

poppy123456

They may not have been able to get enough of information during the first assessment so another is needed but I can only guess. 

I’d advise you to ring the number on the letter to ask why another assessment is needed and hopefully they can give you some information. 

LMJ

It happens sometimes if they do not have enough information. It happened to me the first time I applied for PIP and the 2nd assessment only lasted 15 minutes because in the first one the assessor hadn't covered the mobility section properly. I was asked to stand upright from a sitting position so that the assessor could see my difficulties (which hadn't been requested the first time) and it was over, there were no other questions asked. I went on to get Enhanced PIP for both sections. Try not to worry, there is probably just a small section that they needs further clarification.

Lanson66

Hi thanks, I was told that they wanted further information from me and that they would ask me the same questions as they did in the first assessment and possibly some additional questions.

after my first assessment I was told that I would likely have a letter from DWP within 6 weeks that was 5 weeks ago and clearly my initial assessment was not completed and sent to DWP, it seems a very long delay to then request a second assessment.

 I know I am not alone in this process but the additional delays are really playing with my mental health issues which really were not discussed in my initial assessment. It mainly concentrated on my rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions along similar lines.

if I am honest I have found that pretty much over the last 3 or 4 months I seem to be spending more time in bed keeping irregular hours and avoiding leaving my house, I know that this is not good for me but I can’t seem to break the cycle.

poppy123456

The report may have been chosen for audit, if it wasn't returned to DWP. The assessor last time wouldn't have known that. Although the assessor told you up to 6 weeks for a decision, it can actually be up to 12 weeks after the report is returned. 

Solitaryguppy

Hello, 20 minutes after my phone assessment which took 44 Minutes, DWP sent me a text saying they received the report which was pretty fast.

The guideline is up to 8 weeks for the decision, but from my understanding after reading through some replies on here it is quicker, or is that dependant on the decision maker?

DAZZWER2000

Hi there ,  that is fast !!!  I had phone assessment on march 26th , took 45 mins and got that message 10 days later at 5.10pm yesterday ( out of hours cuz they close at 5pm ).  What ive learnt from all my reading is to not to expect something exact,  everyones timeframes are totally different,  including assessment times, time of first message , second message , letter .  Some dont get either or both.  Best thing to do is say " what will be will be ".    Good luck x

poppy123456

Solitaryguppy said:

Hello, 20 minutes after my phone assessment which took 44 Minutes, DWP sent me a text saying they received the report which was pretty fast.

The guideline is up to 8 weeks for the decision, but from my understanding after reading through some replies on here it is quicker, or is that dependant on the decision maker?

Decision timescales are actually up to about 12 weeks, rather than the 8 they advise people. Once a decision is made you will be contacted. 

Lanson66

Hi all, I am 3 weeks into my waiting period since DWP confirmed that they received the written report. Is there a contact number where I can request a copy of my written report or request an update, given that my first telephone assessment was done in January and for some reason the report never reached DWP hence my second telephone assessment?

poppy123456

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Telephone: 0800 121 4433
Textphone: 0800 121 4493
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433 
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Please also be aware that the report is a recommendation only. It's not the decision. Whilst they mostly go with it, they have been known to go against it. Requesting the report isn't always a good idea especially if you're already anxious and stressed. All it causes is a lot more needless anxiety and stress for a lot of people. 

Solitaryguppy

I got the result yesterday

2 points 

The decision was flawed, 
Things like I presented myself well and spoke clearly during the assement - Uh duh, this implied that I can socialise (pointed out that I speak with my mum and sisters).
But failed to address that I cannot go to a public place because of my condition would cause me huge discomfort and anxiety

My condition was shockingly belittled and treated casually and they disregarded how it affects me on a daily basis

I phoned up yesterday and asked for a Mandatory Reconsideration which was submitted
I could have written it out but I was so annoyed that I wanted to submit it while I was still fuming

If that fails then Tribunal 

Disgraceful

Albus_Scope

Sorry to hear that @Solitaryguppy unfortunately it seems to be a tale we hear quite often here. I was also scored 2 points despite never leaving the house.  Their reasoning was I could talk to my mother and use facebook, so I was obviously fine.   

We usually suggest doing the MR in writing as the person on the other end of the phone could be misinterpreting your words for the MR.  But most action happens with a tribunal.

DAZZWER2000

Solitaryguppy said:

I got the result yesterday

2 points 

The decision was flawed, 
Things like I presented myself well and spoke clearly during the assement - Uh duh, this implied that I can socialise (pointed out that I speak with my mum and sisters).
But failed to address that I cannot go to a public place because of my condition would cause me huge discomfort and anxiety

My condition was shockingly belittled and treated casually and they disregarded how it affects me on a daily basis

I phoned up yesterday and asked for a Mandatory Reconsideration which was submitted
I could have written it out but I was so annoyed that I wanted to submit it while I was still fuming

If that fails then Tribunal 

Disgraceful

After having my first assessment recently , even though i was awarded pip,  i would describe the process as a farce . I dress smart when i need to , i can speak very well over the phone , especially if im pre warned but i am a complete mess in social situations . On my next video assessment i might just dress up like a homeless person and speak with a mumbling quiver as it seems they judge your appearance as the main guide as to  wether your ill or not.   Absolute farce. I wish i could advise them.

Solitaryguppy

DAZZWER2000 said:

Solitaryguppy said:

I got the result yesterday

2 points 

The decision was flawed, 
Things like I presented myself well and spoke clearly during the assement - Uh duh, this implied that I can socialise (pointed out that I speak with my mum and sisters).
But failed to address that I cannot go to a public place because of my condition would cause me huge discomfort and anxiety

My condition was shockingly belittled and treated casually and they disregarded how it affects me on a daily basis

I phoned up yesterday and asked for a Mandatory Reconsideration which was submitted
I could have written it out but I was so annoyed that I wanted to submit it while I was still fuming

If that fails then Tribunal 

Disgraceful

After having my first assessment recently , even though i was awarded pip,  i would describe the process as a farce . I dress smart when i need to , i can speak very well over the phone , especially if im pre warned but i am a complete mess in social situations . On my next video assessment i might just dress up like a homeless person and speak with a mumbling quiver as it seems they judge your appearance as the main guide as to  wether your ill or not.   Absolute farce. I wish i could advise them.

They don't even follow their own guidance 

'The fluctuating conditions rules state that you are awarded points if you satisfy one or more descriptors under an activity on more than 50% of the days in the twelve-month qualifying period' Taken from a different website

My condition is unpredicatable something I cannot control something that can occur at anytime and without warning

This wasn't taken in to account and when it happens the stress, anxiety and embarrasment it can cause me especially when travelling instead they decide I can complete a journey in a patronising way

I have decided that you can .... etc etc. ugh!

I've just spoken with them again, and asked them elaborate my concerns by giving them scenarios so they can get an idea how it is for me (that was VERY uncomfortable)

They say it won't get looked at for about 7 weeks, but I'll keep you updated

DAZZWER2000

Solitaryguppy said:

DAZZWER2000 said:

Solitaryguppy said:

I got the result yesterday

2 points 

The decision was flawed, 
Things like I presented myself well and spoke clearly during the assement - Uh duh, this implied that I can socialise (pointed out that I speak with my mum and sisters).
But failed to address that I cannot go to a public place because of my condition would cause me huge discomfort and anxiety

My condition was shockingly belittled and treated casually and they disregarded how it affects me on a daily basis

I phoned up yesterday and asked for a Mandatory Reconsideration which was submitted
I could have written it out but I was so annoyed that I wanted to submit it while I was still fuming

If that fails then Tribunal 

Disgraceful

After having my first assessment recently , even though i was awarded pip,  i would describe the process as a farce . I dress smart when i need to , i can speak very well over the phone , especially if im pre warned but i am a complete mess in social situations . On my next video assessment i might just dress up like a homeless person and speak with a mumbling quiver as it seems they judge your appearance as the main guide as to  wether your ill or not.   Absolute farce. I wish i could advise them.

They don't even follow their own guidance 

'The fluctuating conditions rules state that you are awarded points if you satisfy one or more descriptors under an activity on more than 50% of the days in the twelve-month qualifying period' Taken from a different website

My condition is unpredicatable something I cannot control something that can occur at anytime and without warning

This wasn't taken in to account and when it happens the stress, anxiety and embarrasment it can cause me especially when travelling instead they decide I can complete a journey in a patronising way

I have decided that you can .... etc etc. ugh!

I've just spoken with them again, and asked them elaborate my concerns by giving them scenarios so they can get an idea how it is for me (that was VERY uncomfortable)

They say it won't get looked at for about 7 weeks, but I'll keep you updated

Thanks , dont forget that part of the process is to make you give in.   Good luck 

Lanson66

Well I have today managed to contact DWP with a view to chase my pip assessment and request a copy of the assessment. I was told that they had written to me on the 25 March and my pip application was rejected. I was awarded 0 points!! I am absolutely flabbergasted, I have several diagnosed conditions including Rheumatoid arthritis and scoliosis both of which alone are in the higher grade of successful pip applications in addition mental health, cris level hypertension etc etc 

the ruling bears no resemblance to my conditions and the difficulties that I face daily.

 I guess I need to go down the route of a MR but with current success rates around 20% i don’t hold out much hope.

Albus_Scope

Heya @Lanson66 again that is a tale we hear a lot of here, I'm so sorry it's happening to you too. I tend to not see MRs as a part of the process any more, all the action happens in the tribunals, which are worlds apart from the original assessments. It's just a shame they take so long to happen. 

 Will you keep us in the loop please?  We're all here for support if you need anything.  

Lanson66

Thanks for the reply, as expected I am totally deflated and if honest the decision is farcical in many ways. One point alone actually made me laugh, there’s a comment that I can get into a car unaided!! If the right answer was I couldn’t.. why would mobility vehicles be awarded to people who can’t get in and out of them!! Anyway I will press for mr and tribunal as all my symptoms are diagnosed by consultants and during the second assessment as I previously mentioned the health professional was very short not engaging and not symptomatic and rushing my answers 

poppy123456

Lanson66 said:

Anyway I will press for mr and tribunal as all my symptoms are diagnosed by consultants 

That's irrelevant because PIP isn't awarded based purely on any diagnosis. 

Lanson66

Poppy I am well aware that the award is not for the diagnosis but for the way it affects the person with day to day living. The point I was making is some conditions are difficult to diagnose, mine are diagnosed and affect me on a daily basis and worsening with time. Thank you for your comment and I hope I clarified my point 

Lanson66

i have now received the confirmation that my mr is in place and being processed. I doubt that it will overturn the decision as I was awarded 0 points. During the conversation with the DWP employee regarding my reasons for asking for the mandatory reconsideration on every point except one I challenged the decision as it in no way was a reflection of my answers on the day. As I previously mentioned I had a telephone consultation on 24 January initially which I thought went well, the lady asking about my various conditions was sympathetic and allowed me time to speak to explain how I am affected. Still i have no idea why nothing happened with the original consultation and the second one on 14 March I can only assume that it was instigated to overturn the previous decision which I assume was favourable to me. I honestly fail to see how I was awarded zero points and I know not relevant but when I did the self assessment I scored myself at 16 and 8 for mobility. I was specifically airing on the side of caution on each sector rather than giving myself false hope. In any event I guess that I will be going to tribunal at some point. What points should I try to stress and what additional information should I request from my doctor and consultant? Is there any specific wording that they could be encouraged to provide in supporting letters?