Posting PIP app. - just put in post box or take to Post Office for Proof Posting?

jabe

This may be a silly question but given all the stories I've heard about lost applications, should I put my application in a plain enevelope & pay for it to be sent either registered or recorded delivery? If I do so, will they accept or sign for it or will it simply delay delivery? How can I confirm they have received it within the deadline? 

Viclet

I'd photocopy the things I was sending before sealing them in the envelope. And I would get a signed for delivery. They are a slippery lot so don't trust them!

jabe

Thanks very much for the advice. I'm worried that it's 2nd class- it has to be in by the 10th Feb & my partner is coming round tonight to fill it in for me (I have rheumatoid arthritis high is particularly bad in my hands so am unable to write more than a couple of sentences myself) I don't understand why they can't send you an electronic version if you want one in this day & age! 

Matilda

I agree with Viclet.  Keep a copy and send original recorded delivery.  The post office will give you a receipt with a serial number and, If DWP claim they haven't received PIP form, the post office will trace the letter for you.  

If anything did go wrong with delivery, you will have the receipt to prove that you posted it in time.  But it's unlikely DWP would claim that they had not received a recorded delivery letter.  I sent my PIP form recorded delivery with no probs.

jabe

Sorry- that should say'which is particularly bad' - my typing isn't always accurate either (but much easier to do than writing)! 

jabe

Thank you Matilda that sounds like very good advice too 

Matilda

I phoned DWP to ask about making sure I sent them form in time and they told me that in practice they allow a few extra days for postal delays/weekends.

You can ask for extra time to complete form if you need it (say to DWP that it's a long, complex form and you have to get help filling it in).  I did this and DWP gave me two extra weeks.

jabe

Unfortunately I'm too late to call them now & Im worried that if I call Monday they will say it's too close to the deadline & refuse. Guess we'll just have to try & get it done tonight however late it is ( my partner has been held up at work & is only just on his way over to mine) 

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Matilda

jabe, I don't think Monday will be too late to call them.  DWP are more sympathetic to requests for time extensions nearer the deadline then earlier on.  I phoned for extension as soon as I received PIP form and girl on phone told me I'd still got three weeks to complete it (DWP think people can just fill in PIP forms off the top of their heads!) and that I should ask for extension nearer the deadline.  Anyway, she did me two extra weeks then and there which I think is the standard extension period.

If DWP want a reason for extension, tell them that because of the form's complexity you need to seek specialist help.  But start drafting the form before Monday.  I'd definitely do a draft before completing the form itself.

Have you looked at either Disability Rights' or CAB's online guidance on completion of PIP forms?  Include a diary covering at least a week showing what you can and can't do.  Disability Rights have a very good draft diary.

In the walking distance section don't tick 'it varies' (gives assessor and DWP too much scope) but tick one of the specific boxes.  You have to not be able to walk more than 20 metres to get enhanced rate mobility.

In the daily living section you get points for how badly you perform activities on bad days, not for your condition itself.  Your disabilities, daily living and mobility, have to apply for at least 50% of the time (at least four days a week).  Make the point in your form that you have more bad days than good.

jabe

Thanks Matilda that's reassuring. We will start it tonight anyway & see how much we can get done but I can try calling Monday anyway to see if they can help.