Filling in form to move from DLA to PIP

We want to hear from you: please tell us about your experience of the online community.

Sheilamoose

Hi everyone

Got a DLA to PIP letter a couple of weeks ago. Phoned daily - either 'busy' or 'put on hold' (which then 'cut-off'' after 1 hour! Anyway, finally got through on 19 March; received form on 29 March & they say they want it back by 19 April! Thought we were 'supposed' to have one month to complete it in?

Have put in Subject Access Request for copy of 3 DLA reports from Examining Medical Practitioners - the last one read his report back (can't remember exact words) but said in his opinion I should not be put through any more medical assessments as my condition will not change. Have had high DLA Mob/Care since 1994. Am hoping if I have to go through another F2F the DLA reports can be used as late evidence (am putting this on the form).

I can't write at length, so am typing answer to each question separately & putting e.g. "See separate sheet, Continuation of Page 33, Q14d", with name & NI number on the top of each. Hoping that will be ok as have always done that with DLA. 

Bit worried about them contacting my doc though - old one (who was marvellous) retired & new doc would not have any idea who I was! Never see the same doc twice at my surgery - last one I saw was not even aware that I had almost died from a stroke!!!

Getting really anxious with form filling-in - so little time to do it in. Haven't got any medical reports either. Surgeon at hospital said "I do not know your home circumstances", which is fair enough.

Fingers crossed it all goes ok. Should I ask for more time to complete form in?

CockneyRebel

Hi Sheilamoose and welcome

You can ask for a two week extension
You have a month from the date on the letter
It is perfectly fine to type answers as you are doing and add to the back. make sure your name and NI are on each page
Also number eacha page ! of 10 , 2 of 10, 5 of 10 etc
They almost never contact your GP

DLA and PIP use different criteria

 

Things to know about PIP

Get face to face advice from CAB, welfare rights or similar whenever possible

DLA and PIP use different criteria for awards

Just because you had DLA indefinately does not guarantee you will qualify for PIP

When making the initial phone call ask for your DLA to be taken into consideration if applicable

When you receive your PIP2 form you can ask for an extension of two weeks to complete and return it if need be.

It is important to understand the points system, descriptors and criteria for an award Have a look at the B&W self test

http://www.mybenefitsandwork.co.uk/pip/indexxx.php

PIP is about how your condition affect your functionality. The "HOW"
Medical evidence is only usefull to explain the "WHY. On its own, medical evidence will not win you an award
Only send relevant medical evidence. More is not always better. HCP's and DM's will not spend time combing through your edition of War and Peace to find the facts.

Most claimants will be required to attend a f2f assessment, usually at a centre.

If you are unable to attend a centre and need a home visit, you will normally require a GP's letter stating explicitly that you cannot attend a centre and why. There must be no ambiguity.

When you receive an appointment date you can rearrange it once only, you must then attend the new appointment

Failure to attend will result in your file being returned to the DWP and your claim maybe closed.

When you do attend the assessment you may take a companion for support.

Make no special effort, be yourself

Take your medication as prescribed

Most people with long term conditions have learned to manage and conceal their condition. On the day you must become "disabled" for the assessor to see the real you, otherwise an incorrect assessment is likely.

I am in no way suggesting that anyone should put on an act and pretend to be worse than they are, many people are already stressed, but at the same time it will not help if the claimant " Puts on a brave face" as my gran used to say

If you have a home visit, the assessor is just the same as any visitor , they do not have the right to look around your home.

If possible have a companion with you

Keep to your normal routine. If at the appointed time you are normaly still in bed or not dressed, then, if you are comfortable, there is no reason to alter that.

You decide which room the assessment takes place in
Assessors may arrive early or late so be ready. Have your ID and medication list to hand.

The assessor will be observing everything you do from the start, how you sit, stand, walk, handle items such as bags and coats.

Don't expect them to answer many questions, they have an agenda and will want to stick to it.

If you have a companion they can take notes.

After the assessment you should ring the DWP and ask for a copy of the report, but wait for 3-4 days for them to receive it. Do not be fobbed off, you are entitled to it no matter what the phone jockey tells you.

When you receive the report it will give you an indication of your possible award it is a recommendation only, it is the DM that makes the decision and it may differ.

When you receive the decision letter, you have a month from the date on the letter to ask for a mandatory reconsideration, no extension is normally given. You can do so by phone and or letter.

If you have received an award the decision letter will tell you what it is, how much and from when.
If it is a new claim it will be dated from the day of the first phone call. If a change from DLA then it should be dated the day after your DLA stops. If it is a review then it should be a continuation with any back date if a higher award is given

Look for both the end date and the "We will contact you after " date. Reviews are usually carried out a year before the end date. Some shorter awards have an end date and you will have to reapply.

Some useful links

https://www.gov.uk/government/public...ment-providers
 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/be...nd-carers/pip/

https://www.rethink.org/resources/p

CR