PIP unexpected telephone call

Numbers

I completed a mandatory review for PIP for my son a year ago. I had the standard delay letter in October last year.

On Friday with no warning I had a call from a PIP assessor. He said he had been brought in to reduce the backlog and hoped to make a decision himself but if not it would take another 4 days.

Today I called to ask if he could make a decision and was told no, it had been referred to another assessment team and they would arrange a telephone/in person assessment to help them reach a decision, and that would take at least 2 months.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

TheManFromLondon

Your review form and phone chat did not provide enough details, so they will need an assessment. Thats all there is to it. I have heard that many times, not unusual at all.

Numbers

Thank you. I was a bit concerned as he's been on DLA and then PIP for 30 years and never had this. 

Numbers

Just had a text so hopefully it might be a bit quicker than 2 months:

poppy123456

For reviews when you return your forms they are sent to the decision maker first. From there they will take a look at your form and any additional evidence you sent to see if a decision can be made without sending it to the health assessment providers. 

It sounds like it was a decision maker that rang and not an assessor. As a decision couldn’t be made without an assessment the file was sent to the health assessment provider. 

Numbers

Thank you. He was improving quite a lot until the pandemic, then everything went a bit pear shaped, so not quite as simple this time. 

TheManFromLondon

Numbers said:

Thank you. He was improving quite a lot until the pandemic, then everything went a bit pear shaped, so not quite as simple this time. 

I am sorry to hear that, and I have been in the same kind of situation, with the pandemic affecting my condition significantly, it really messed up all my progress on various levels.

It will all be ok, I'm sure, I read you have a long record of getting support and everything is now more difficult, so it will be straightforward, it just another headache for the assessment, but don't worry.

Best wished to your boy.

Numbers

Thank you. I meant to say 20 years bit I can't amend my post. I think my son is amazing and I concentrate on his strengths. I keep getting told I normalise his disability but it is normal to me! I hope you are getting support too. The pandemic has a lot to answer for!

Numbers

Just a quick update. We finally received a text to say son's assessment will be by telephone in a couple of weeks.