PIP Assessment next week but helpline says payment will be made 14th August

mylife81

Hi,

I put in my first PIP application a few weeks ago and have a telephone assessment next Thursday.

I rang DWP today to ask for a copy of my initial answers as stupidly I didn't save them. After I entered all of my details, I got an automated message saying my next PIP payment would be £549 on 14th August. I questioned this when I got through and the guy said this is a glitch and the decision hasn't yet been made.

I just wondered if this has happened to anyone else. I can't lie, it got my hopes up a little that I might have been successful.

Thanks in advance.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @mylife81.

That's so frustrating getting that message and being told it's just a glitch! That hasn't happened to me, but maybe it has to someone else in the community. I'm glad you questioned it otherwise you'd be upset on the 14th August 😊 I hope it comes through quickly for you. It can be a lengthy process but we're here to support you all the way.

poppy123456

The automated payment information is well known for being completely wrong. As there’s no award in place and you haven’t yet had your assessment you should ignore that information.

Steve1987

Ah how frustrating for you!

barb68

And PIP like other benefits, is paid in arrears, I imagine.

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/895162#Comment_895162

Yes, 4 weeks in arrears.

W348

What steps do you take or what numbered option is it on the phone to be able to hear the pre-recorded message about payment date? I can't cope with talking on the phone, but could call to listen to a robot message. I'm just worried someone might actually answer.

I last had a text msg nearly two weeks ago saying someone was looking at my claim, but not heard anything since.

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/895407#Comment_895407

There’s no options for that anymore. When you ring the helpline while waiting in the queue for someone to answer it may give payment information.

W348

Nothing new to update as yet, but I wondered if someone could let me know what usually happens after this part.

I received this text message two weeks ago: ‘A Health Professional is looking at your PIP claim. They will contact you with an appointment if they need to. You only need to contact us if your circumstances change.’

I emphasised in my form about a paper-based assessment and they did contact my GP for a report, I believe my GP has mentioned my communication difficulties.

If I assume they do proceed and make a paper-based decision, does this mean I don’t need to worry about them wanting to contact me?

If they decide to award me PIP, do they usually call to want to confirm details? I believe they should have everything they need from the initial new claim phone call back in May.

poppy123456

Sometimes (not always) the assessor may contact you without warning if they have some questions to ask before deciding if the report can be written without the need for an assessment.

It is possible to have a paper based assessment without any contact from them at all but it's rare.

They often send a text message once the report is returned to DWP, then you'll know a paper based assessment has been completed.

It has been known for the decision maker to contact you, without warning before a decision is made if they have questions to ask but again it's rare.

The majority of people do have assessments so please be aware of that too.

W348

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/895673#Comment_895673

Thank you, it's reassuring to at least have some idea of what to expect. I feel I covered my issues in detail with examples in my form, and after your recent suggestion I also later sent in a few hospital reports that make for quick reading.

I am aware from my GP that they requested a report from him, though I haven't seen this report myself. I am confident he would have mentioned my difficulties with communication.

I know I went into specific detail in the form just to avoid any possible questions or need for them to contact me, I didn't want to be vague on the form and leave things to be misinterpreted.

If I don't get it I can come to terms with that, what I am hoping for is that I have provided them enough information so they don't need to contact me. I had a bit of a panic and sent in that evidence later on. My main reason for doing so was last minute panic because I feel I am highly unlikely to be able to tolerate an actual assessment. While I can have family speak on my behalf in such situations, I've gone into more specific detail than I usually would with regards to mental toll, and have only shared this with my GP, not my family - so they can't possibly speak for me regarding certain aspects. I am mostly dreading a call too because I am not comfortable with them discussing my issues with my family.

It's frustrating though when I want to be able to talk about my difficulties for myself and not feel like I have to constantly rely on others speaking up for me. It's not a great feeling.