PIP Journey

9helpisontheway8

if you’re new to your PIP Journey too, this might be for you.

Recently, I’ve made an application for PIP Payments due to some ongoing and worsening mental health issues of mine. For a while this has been something I’ve needed to do but the feeling of being declined has held me back, as I know the waiting times can be extremely long. In my case, these long waiting times can massively increase my anxiety and make the days drag. Most of this is because there’s no guideline online or anyone who’s been bothered to write and post their PIP story/journey.

Been needing this extra help for a long time now so on 29/08/24 I started my online PIP forms. Finished and sent them off by 13/09/24. I took this extra time as I am filling the forms out on my own, and have no extra support, so wanted to make sure I was as thorough as possible. about 2 weeks after sending through the forms online I had a phone call assessment.

(14/10/24) I’ve received a text to say that a health professional is looking into my claim.

4 days later (18/10/24) I’ve received a text to say that they have received the written report of my PIP Assessment.

so so far the process has taken a month and a half, almost 2 months, for somebody to even look at my claim. And have to wait UP TO another 8 weeks for a decision. I will keep you POSTED with everything that happens including whether it doesn’t go through and why (according to whatever the letter will tell me when I receive it).

Summary so far: Personally, I thought the form was very difficult to fill in. However the process hasn’t been overly difficult. There is not much closure throughout the process and so far it has took a lot of faith for me to carry through with it.

I have read different things online and it would seem those waiting a long time are more likely to be accepted. And those waiting only a week or so are the ones more likely to be declined it would seem. But I shall keep y’all updated with how long it will take for me to recieve my Letter and what it entails.

if you have any information on how long it took you to get your letter after your assessment I would love to know your story, comment below! It will give insight to other people like us!

9helpisontheway8

I have applied for depression and anxiety, but have no recorded medical diagnosis’ just for context! I’ll update y’all. Must say so far I don’t think I’ll get it

poppy123456

The length of time it takes is no indication of what the decision is likely to be. I've known members have decisions very quickly and been awarded and refused. I've also known members wait many months for a decision and then been awarded and refused.

It does seem like when you apply online the process is much quicker than if you apply through paper form. This is because you bypass the need to wait for them to send the PIP2 form out to you and for them to receive it back.

Now they have the report back a decision can take up to 12 weeks.

9helpisontheway8

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/926709#Comment_926709

Yes I understand what you’re saying I’m just posting for other people like me that may need a little more closure than others.

my text specifically says up to 8 weeks to wait. and I’m hoping for a reply within a couple of weeks though I know that’s very wishful.

Jimm_Alumni

Hey @9helpisontheway8, welcome to the community 😊 you'll find many people here share exactly how you feel and your experience with the application process. It isn't easy. There are delays and backlogs in the system, so they very much are pushing that 8 week limit, even going up to 12 week limit in some regions.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you 🤞

If you want you can read up the appeals process so you're informed ahead of time just incase the decision is not the one you think you are entitled to. You can read about the appeals process here: Appealing a benefits decision | Disability charity Scope UK

9helpisontheway8

just as an update for you guys.

I haven’t received a letter yet but I have received payment from PIP today.

So if you’re like me and didn’t have :

• a doctor
• Diagnosis
• Photo ID

Dont worry you can still apply and they will accept you. I’m honestly gobsmacked at how quickly they’ve been able to accept and go through the process. Although I must admit I did spend a little bit of time in a mental health hospital and wonder if the notes from there helped with the application (I gave them permission to go through it all if needs must).

The only advice I have to give after applying is to definitely apply online! It doesn’t seem to be as long, they were on it with everything. And when answering the questions think about what they’re really asking. For example: yes I can cook. But genuinely 4/7 days of the week sometimes more I can’t bring myself to get up and make a meal, yet alone go to the shop to grab the items first. And that’s exactly what I told them. I didn’t milk my situation and was honest, despite opening up about vulnerabilities being a massive issue for me. Hence why it took so long to fill in the paperwork.

This means that the process taken around 2 months just over. The decision time was very very very small for me though, and I’ve seen so many stories of it taking ages.

it you have any questions I’m happy to answer

Rosie_Scope

Thanks for sharing your story @9helpisontheway8, glad your payment has come through okay 😊 I'm sure other members will find it helpful to read how things went for you, so thanks for sharing and updating us all!