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Pip Text Message

Topcat71

I have been worried since returning my pip for review . With change of government and threats you hear in the news that people start losing their benefits etc I just worried and this text from pip today not helping. Can anyone please give me their opinion do you think the text is suggesting that I could be ask to attend a in person medical assessment. I'm sorry if I waste your time I don't know who else to ask and everyone here are so nice in helping folks. Thank you in advance and here the full text…

"We still have your PIP form and will be progressing your review as soon as we can. You may still need an assessment with a health professional. Your PIP will continue to be paid until we review your claim. You only need to contact us if your circumstances change"

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Comments

yoohyeoniee

Hi,

I understand how anxiety inducing waiting for a PIP Review is. Im currently in the same boat and received the exact same text. I assume it is the same for everyone having a PIP Review and isn't down to individual circumstances.

trb10

Standard PIP "update" text. Basically means no-one has looked at it yet but letting you know they still have it and it's still in the queue. Some people are waiting 1 year+ for their review depending on where they live in the UK so don't worry.

malvinmulch

Sounds like they are covering their backside heavily there and not committing to any course of action.

I just bombarded UC with medical stuff (wife went further and mailed them her entire medical records....was like an old school phone book plus named her specialists) and they decided on that basis they had enough.

I get ADP as I'm in Scotland and they at least base their decision primarily on medical evidence but I know PIP is different and some say designed by a us medical insurance company.

I know it's hard but try to stay positive (I was a nervous wreck before I got my ADP and LCWRA decisions, though I constantly live in second guess mode in case someone misconstrues one of my good days for my normal and labels me a 'fraud', just as bad is ADP says "no need to worry about taking a holiday everyone needs time away " but the DWP "You only need to worry if we find out you are having the time of your life in the sun " - which means you don't even want to try) so I get what your going through.

Is this a review or initial application?

SaraC_Scope

Hi.

I received this text when I had to reapply for PIP. It was a few weeks after submitting the form, so I believe it's to keep the applicant updated. A few weeks later I had to have a telephone assessment, which was nerve wracking but I got through it and my PIP has continued.

Please try not to worry. You've sent your form back and that's all you can do for now.

Sara

Topcat71

Oh. Ok thank you it's just years ago when I had a face to face assessment it start off ok. Then the young interview said I see you kept a good pace walking into the room I thought you did amazing and well done you. I later got told I would not qualify and never appeal . I went 5 years before applying again which was on the phone and I got pip lower amount. I am now so so worried I get a in person assessment and it be a No again because I try keeping up with the young lady not to be rude as she was waiting at the meeting room door and had a face like come on get a move on. After she was nice in her comment I felt better but after being refused I just felt I was a complete fool old Fool..Stupid middle aged Fool in pain trying to keep up with being young.

malvinmulch

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/924626#Comment_924626

Yeah it's their usual trickery, along with cameras everywhere with your every movement being analysed and logged and without this being mentioned to you.

The whole thing is set up to be a "hostile environment" and treat anyone applying as if they are a fraudster or a convicted criminal on probation or on a community sentence.....

It makes me so annoyed 😠 😠

Topcat71

When you say covering their backside . What's that mean I not likely to receive it again by sounds of it

malvinmulch

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/924635#Comment_924635

Basically not committing to assessing you while not guaranteeing they won't assess you either. Basically "we haven't decided yet but be aware we reserve the right to assess you if we feel it's necessary "

Topcat71

I know it's tough and reading everyone story it's heartbreaking to hear those who are suffering so much already and then put through more. I am trying to find out do they still do in person assessment. I just received higher Lcwra benefit after a telephone assessment so to have another assessment with pip so soon it's starting to really worry now.

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Topcat71

Thank you all for your help..I am still worried. I receive the higher lcwra payment and after 3 months waiting I received it. I only work 12 hours part-time but because of the pain I am in and with taking so much morphine everyday I worried about the driving to work I finished work last Friday. Now I more worried after the pip text if I don't get it again have I put my myself in a complete financial mess. I been so happy to finally rest when my pain at its worse but now I think have I done right thing giving up my 12 hour a week job

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malvinmulch

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/924640#Comment_924640

Hear hear claps

they design it to be deliberately vague in order to be as off-putting as possible and it's enlightening to read the manual their assessors work to (on UK gov website).

The veritable annoyance that comes through in the writing style in addendums regarding decisions of the court and tribunals that have overridden the DWP interpretation of the rules is barely constrained, almost "if it wasn't for those pesky judges" "apply it this because and only because we have to comply as much as we disagree with it"

The rumour I have heard is that an American insurance giant basically drew this whole system up, using their "delay, deny, defend" model - in a nutshell take as long as possible to process the claim, deny the claim, defend your decision to deny as far as possible Inc through the courts, the reason being to put off as many claimants as possible and create as many obstacles to qualifying as possible.

HOWEVER they still have to set out their rules and rationale....so hold them to it, base it on how you are 50% of the time, always highlight what causes you pain, consider "would I have to do xyz if I didn't have this health condition?" / "What do I do to adapt to my health issues" along with can I reliably do this i.e. if someone said "let's go and do this" could you right there and then or would you have to do xyz before or would it depend on your symptoms, if you did it would it worsen your symptoms or leave you unable to complete other activities due to pain and fatigue. They don't mention this on the form often but it's hidden in the criteria in their manual.

If you ever have to have a face to face again (and hopefully you don't), take as much time as you need, don't push yourself, make it clear when you are in pain (don't resort to British stoicism), if it's going to leave you too tired to do anything else etc then make that clear, if you are mentally distressed make that clear also .

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malvinmulch

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/924650#Comment_924650

That's something to make clear right there to them - due to pain, fatigue and also due to the side effects of my pain medication I have had to give up work as I couldnt safely get there and trying to work worsened my pain and fatigue resulting in me being chronically exhausted and struggling to complete tasks I needed to - I had to skip cooking dinner from fresh and eat something prepared and frozen despite preferring to cook from fresh / I like to be immaculately turned out but I just don't have the energy to iron my clothes which causes me anxiety, distress and frustration at not being able to do this reliably

Topcat71

I really hope I don't have a face to face I know I mess it up. The lwrca thing was bad enough 3 months ago but now pip possible assessment in person. I don't sleep I not exaggerating I just wake up all the time writing down I am now in pain 2.15 am and so on . I know I sound stupid but I don't know how to deal with this worry . I hate it really do

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Rachel_Scope

I'm sorry you're so worried @Topcat71. It's completely understandable as we have to wait so long for answers. I hope everyone's response here has been somewhat comforting 😊

You don't need to do your PIP assessment in person, it can be done via phone or video call. I did mine via video and had my husband sat next to me. Make sure you ask for what is best suited for you.

You definitely don't sound stupid at all. We all worry about benefits, you're not alone I promise.

Loobylou22

I got same text when my pip was being reviewed. Did have brief call and was asked couple questions then received letter for ongoing award which I assume is light touch review in 10 years. Am coming up to pension age so hoping it will just continue on as usual. 🙏