I received a call today (well, Saturday initially but I missed it!) on behalf of my Mum. She applied around this time last year. She missed two assessments as she was too scared/had no support. I did not know this. They kept the claim open as they can't close claims relating to MH if they think someone is vunerable.
After realising there is no way she's capable of this process when she told me, I became her appointee and did the assessment for her last Monday (12th) . Today, they wanted my bank account details and said a decision has been made and spoke about arrears.
... sooo I'm guessing that the claim was successful in some way, then?! - and the waiting game starts over the next few days!
She said she's "pushed the button" for the letter to be sent (yesterday, Monday). Any idea of when I'll receive it, or if the payment will come first to my bank before the letter? There is obviously a big difference between £23.70 a week and £152 so we're really quite nervous at the moment!
The woman on the phone today at the DWP was very nice but gave little clues, but her tone/mood wasn't one I'd expect someone would use if we were going to be disappointed, I expect she would have given more details about the MRs and appeals process. She did briefly mention we can appeal at the end of the conversation; so that makes me think it won't be high rate on both, but maybe she has to say this? We then shared a few laughs about the area we weirdly both live in. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but she didn't give the impression she was dealing with a verdict that will bring about disappointment.
Before she hung up she told me to look after myself and my mum which was very nice to see some empathy does exist. They have evidence of my mum previously attempting suicide and sexual abuse, so anyone with an inch of compassion would be hoping she gets support she deserves. But as we know, PIP couldn't care less about that unless it fits their descriptors...
I'm just trying to read between the lines of what she potentially has been awarded. It's good news she seemingly has something after the horror stories I read - especially at the first post - but the carrot tangling is a bit frustrating ? We might yet have to go for a MR, who knows.
Also - is it worth requesting the assessment report even though we have the full decision from the DWP on the way? I'm quite curious because even though I didn't let her, I could see she was trying to catch me out and was really quite cold. Do you think there is any chance they'd tell us over the phone if I ring tomorrow to ask for the assessors report?
We're just shocked to be honest. We've spent the last few weeks reading horror stories after horror stories. My Mum does have a lot of conditions and in my view should absolutely be on high rate for both... but lets see.
