How much longer? This is ridiculous

sharon121 · January 2018

Good evening,

My son is 28yrs old. He has been getting high rate care and Motorbility for 24yrs on DLA as an indefinite award. We have had to complete the PIP assessment October 2017. Since this we haven’t, heard anything almost 13wks.
My son does not need a face to face assessment. He doesn’t see any specialist, he has a genetic condition that will worsen over time.
I can’t understand how or why it’s taken over 13 weeks.
I have telephoned on a couple of occasions to be “fobbed off” on one occasion the advisor told me there are people worse off than me. This made me quite angry, he has no idea about how my sons disability effects him or our family. He then proceeded to stay quiet on the line, eventually saying “is there anything else I can help you with” I thought he was inappropriate and rude.
Where do we go from here?
My sons Motorbility vehicle is due to be replaced and his blue badge expires in February. We are in limbo waiting on a decision.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Warm regards Sharon

wildlife · January 2018

@sharon121 Firstly I would ask the name of any advisor you speak to before you have any conversation and tell them you are keeping a record of the call and what is said. They won't be so rude if they know they could be reported by name with a complaint made about them. Then I would ask to speak to a case manager (used to be called Decision Maker). You may have to book a call back. If the adviser says this isn't possible don't be fobbed off. You have the right to speak to them about why the decision is taking so long. It's a good idea also to let your MP know how long decisions are taking and maybe get help to hurry it along. It should not be taking so long. Keep a record of names, date and time and what was said for all future contact then if you need to complain you've got the necessary information. Hope that helps.

sharon121 · January 2018

Many thanks. I really wish I’d have had that advice 13 weeks ago

wildlife · January 2018

@sharon121 Not to worry you are still in the early stages of the PIP process but because of the situation you're in you need to become proactive and assertive but not to the point where you upset DWP. If you see what I mean. This is what a lot of claimants have difficulty with. It's OK getting lots of advice about how the system works but there is also a way of getting it to work in your/your son's favour. Do you have the assessment report? Ignore what is said by the assessor about not being able to get it till after the decision is made. That is not true and just an attempt by them to stop you seeing it till later on. You can ask DWP to send it asap. The suggested points on the report is usually the same as the decision as DWP rely on the assessor's recommendations as they have no medical knowledge. Post again when you know more about what is happening if you need any more advice. Others will join in no doubt and offer their input.

poppy123456 · January 2018

sharon121 said:

Good evening,

My son is 28yrs old. He has been getting high rate care and Motorbility for 24yrs on DLA as an indefinite award. We have had to complete the PIP assessment October 2017. Since this we haven’t, heard anything almost 13wks.
My son does not need a face to face assessment. He doesn’t see any specialist, he has a genetic condition that will worsen over time.
I can’t understand how or why it’s taken over 13 weeks.
I have telephoned on a couple of occasions to be “fobbed off” on one occasion the advisor told me there are people worse off than me. This made me quite angry, he has no idea about how my sons disability effects him or our family. He then proceeded to stay quiet on the line, eventually saying “is there anything else I can help you with” I thought he was inappropriate and rude.
Where do we go from here?
My sons Motorbility vehicle is due to be replaced and his blue badge expires in February. We are in limbo waiting on a decision.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Warm regards Sharon

Hi,

Have you been told he doesn't need a face 2 face assessment? Most people have these and it's rare not to have them. If you've not specifically been told this then the wait is most likely because there's a backlog in your area of people waiting for assesssments.

If you've been told he doesn't need the assessment have you asked DWP if the assessment report has been returned, if it has do you have a copy of this? The report will give you some idea what the decison will be as mostly they go with the report.

If you haven't been told he doesn't need an assessment, i advice you to ring the assessment providers and ask them what's happening. If an assessment is needed it's not unusal to wait 13 weeks. Good luck.

sharon121 · January 2018

I recieved a letter yesterday saying “they now have the evidence to decide on the outcome” nearly 14wks!!

poppy123456 · January 2018

sharon121 said:

I recieved a letter yesterday saying “they now have the evidence to decide on the outcome” nearly 14wks!!

With backlogs some are waiting longer from the time they send the form off. My review, i waited 5 months from sending the form back.

Ritzy · January 2018

I have been off my PIP benefit from March 2017 and still waiting for my appeal to be heard. It's a nightmare since it changed from Disability Living Allowance to this new PIP, the criteria has been changed to confuse people when they are completing the form. It was bad before but even worse now. Keep plodding on though, don't let them get to you, that's there intention so that you will give in.
Good Luck

How much longer? This is ridiculous

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