How to contact DWP about PIP - eternity on hold

Commanded2bwell

Yep, this old chestnut. They're worse than trying to call HMRC and we all know it, but now I have a need to talk to a human being about my PIP, and I've spent so long waiting to be picked up that the hold music is ringing in my dreams!

Reason: I have discovered that First Direct is currently one of the best banks in the UK. They gave me a loan! Being self-employed and on benefits is usually the kiss of death, but they were reasonable and willing to help and make useful suggestions. They worked 'with me' instead of 'against me'. The APR is higher than I would like, but that's the price you pay for not being PAYE.

So, I decided I might switch my account to them, but that would mean updating the DWP to get my PIP paid into the new account. And the moment I realised this, I felt a cold creeping horror freeze my bones… ok, maybe not, but it was Halloween, at the time 😉

So, what's the best strategy for getting through before hell freezes over? Anyone discovered any good times of day/week/month to call?

OverlyAnxious

If you're using the Current Account Switch Service, there's no need to contact anyone, as the bank does it for you.

Commanded2bwell

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/936393#Comment_936393

I asked about that. Anything outgoing, any debits/standing orders, etc. the answer is yes, they can automatically transfer it. But any regular income, even from your employer, it's up to you to make the changes. In terms of the DWP, specifically, the bank said you have to inform them, yourself.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/936417#Comment_936417

Ok, it must have changed since I did it in that case. Both PIP & Housing Benefit were transferred automatically. That was around 2020 though.

poppy123456

I often find the best time to ring them is as soon as they open. When I rang them a few weeks ago at 9am I was waiting for about 15 minutes for someone to answer.

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/936497#Comment_936497

The current account switching service takes care of payments going in and out of your account. Yes, this also includes contacting DWP and your employer of your new bank details.

https://www.currentaccountswitch.co.uk/media/h1rpe0ky/currentaccountswitchguarantee.pdf