PIP journey

Billie119

Hi im new to this site and wondered if anyone can help with the timescale of the PIP process. I receive  DLA HR indefinite and I've' had 'that' letter inviting me to call them by middle of next week to answer the questions presumably before they send out the PIP2 form. My question is How long does it usually take for the PIP2 form to arrive and would I be correct in assuming that you have 4 weeks to complete and return it, and how long after they receive the completed form do they request you to attend a FTF assessment? My problem is that because I've had a really **** year and was  diagnosed with stage 3 n3  cancer on top of my pre existing conditions, my husband had arranged a two week respite break for us both starting last week in June and I was wondering how I should approach this with the powers that be. I'm so worried that because of the timing of events that my FTF assessment will fall at the end of June into July. Just wondered if anyone else has had to deal with something similar 

 Thanks B    

poppy123456

Hi,

It should take around 10 days t receive the form and yes you have 4 weeks to return it, but this will include the time it's taken to arrive. You can have a 14 day extension to return it, you just need to ring DWP to ask for this.

Time scales for assessments/decisions vary wildly across the country and it really depends on backlog. Some wait just a couple of weeks while other wait months for the assessment. You'll need to make sure you send evidence with your form as they very rarely contact any medical professional for evidence.

When you do receive the appointment date you can change it only once. As you're going on holiday you could put the dates down on the form when you're not available, however this may not help because first assessment appointments are usually computer generated and they spurt out the next available appointment, even if it's far away from home. Good luck.

Billie119

Thanks Poppy that’s very helpful. I suppose my worry is that I receive my appointment letter during the first week I’m away to attend the following week. 

susan48

@Billie119,

just a thought, have you got a trustworthy family member or friend to check your mail, for brown ones or formal looking letter, they could then call you if your away so your enjoying your break without the worry .

enjoy your break and good luck 

Billie119

Good idea thanks Susan I’ll ask my sister to do just that. Phew!

CockneyRebel

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

Billie119

Thank you CR for afvice and useful links 

jakbav

Hi I'm new to this sight.had a letter from capita telling me they are looking into my case.5 th March I'm needing a home visit.I've had no ftf appointment yet.I dropped them a call today to see when it would be .was told nothing available yet .r i g back at the end of may. How long do you usually wait.Many thanks