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ESA and PIP
wattycz1
Member Posts: 31 Connected
Apparently 4 months ago I filled in form for ESA I was told that I am in assessment phase and filled the form with medical information and what I can and cannot do told I would have to go for assessment and advised on the form I need wheelchair access I have not had any communication from them as yet .
Also at the same time I contacted Pip to advise change in circumstances as my condition has got worse filled in form they sent and sent back with medical evidence .
I called both to see if forms received and they have been. Regards to both I have not had any communication from them at all I am stressed with all this I have cerebrovascular disease memory impairment mental health issues and very limited mobility I don't know what to do
Thanks
Also at the same time I contacted Pip to advise change in circumstances as my condition has got worse filled in form they sent and sent back with medical evidence .
I called both to see if forms received and they have been. Regards to both I have not had any communication from them at all I am stressed with all this I have cerebrovascular disease memory impairment mental health issues and very limited mobility I don't know what to do
Thanks
Replies
Apart form keep ringing then you could get your MP involved
CR
Hi @wattycz1
Sorry to hear that you're getting stressed with your benefits - I'm afraid you're certainly not alone!
CR is correct that there are unfortunately delays with both of the above. The target for the ESA assessments is 13 weeks, but has almost always taken longer than this, and could still be several months yet I'm afraid.
With the PIP supersession, these seem to vary quite considerably, so it may well be that badgering them, and particularly getting your MP involved may speed the decision up.
Kind regards,
Mary
It probably is as they usually only waive the medical assessment if there is enough evidence to make a positive decision.
Good luck
David
CR
Good luck
CR
when asked closed questions ie. "Can you..........."
never answer "yes, but.............."
the assessor stops listening at "YES"
always answer "No, but............ "
CR
Please make sure you or your wife tell them everything you can about your difficulties and what aids you need to use for each activity, or when aids are not enough and you need physical assistance from someone else, how much pain you are in and how long it takes you to do certain things if it is longer than you would expect. Good luck, and let us know how you get on!
Lee
As CR has said, just use the aids and applicances that you would normally use on that sort of journey. Make sure you find out about the assessment centre (are there stairs, does it have a lift?) in case there is anything else you need when you get there. The assessor will take into account everything, including how you get to the assessment centre and how you move around once you are there.
As Lee advises, mention anything else you use in your everyday life to help you do things, whether you need help, whether you are in pain or breathless, if any activities cause a risk, and if anything takes a lot longer than it would for someone without your condition.
Do let us know how you get on!
Any evidence you have is helpful. I would make sure that both the DWP and the assessment provider have copies, and as Poppy123456 says, keep the originals because you might need them! Medical evidence is great, but so is evidence from other people who work with you or help you, or a diary of your everyday activities kept over a couple of weeks.
As AngelUK1 says, supporting letters from your GP or consultant are great, and you can request your whole medical history from your GP, but bear in mind, it may not all be relevant to PIP.
Will
Does the same happen with PIP eg application for change in circumstances is received by DWP in June and after f2f award changes to an increased amount?
best of luck
CR
For ESA there is a 13 week assessment phase period at the start of a claim. By the end of the 13th week the DWP are supposed to have assessed you and if successful, put you in the work-related activity or support group. Because they are so far behind with assessing people, if you are assessed after the 35th week of your claim for example, any additional money you are entitled to should be backdated to the 14th week of your claim. It's important to note though, for new claims made after 3rd April 2017, the additional payment of £29.05 for being in the work-related activity group has been abolished.
If you receiving PIP, you report a change of circumstances and the outcome is advantageous to you, it usually takes effect on the date the change takes place, or is expected to take place. You must notify the DWP within one month of the change. However, if the change means you see now entitled to a particular rate of benefit, the supersession takes effect from the day you satisfy the conditions of entitlement for that rate (this includes the required period of condition of three months - you have to have had the required needs for the higher rate for three months before the higher rate can be paid). Again, you must have notified the DWP within one month of satisfying the conditions of entitlement.
Lee
Thanks
We've received your Fit Note and details of your assessment. Your ESA payment will continue and you don't need to send us any more Fit Notes.