PIP timeline

buildupbuttercup · May 2021

Hello everyone, I'm not expecting much in the way of answers from anyone as I'm aware the range of time a PIP application can take ranges and COVID is causing delays of course, but I'm starting this discussion as a way of hopefully getting some reassurance as I am becoming increasingly worried about not having heard anything from DWP.

The deadline for my assessment was 2nd April and I sent it off a few days before that, just regular freepost, which I now regret as I've seen a lot of people recommend spending the extra money on tracked postage for peace of mind. So it's been a month or thereabouts since I sent it in, and I'm expecting a letter from DWP at any point now, but I am worrying because a lot of people seem to have received texts when their applications have been received which I haven't yet. Does everyone receive texts when their application has been processed?

Should I get someone to call DWP for me to check if it's been received or hold tight and expect a text/letter?

What is the typical range of timeline for sending in your application, getting assessed, and hearing the final decision? Thanks.

kami24 · May 2021

I couldn't get through to dwp at all yesterday when I attempted to ring (58 minutes wait) i finally gave up after an hour wait on the phone it's ridiculous proof of postage is a good idea hermes tracked for a letter is cheap enough or royal mail do tracking i guess. They should write to you back soon as it can take time especially with covid but definitely try ringing (if it's possible that is) if you are overly anxious

calcotti · May 2021

Proof of postage can be helpful. Tracking is of little value because it's only tracked to a sorting office which handles post on behalf of the DWP. It’s then scanned and sent on the DWP who get it a bit later. A couple of years ago there were delays of several weeks between getting to the sorting office and DWP actually recording it but it does seem to be back to just a few days now.

chiarieds · May 2021

Hi @buildupbuttercup - sorry this is all giving you cause for concern. I presume you mean you sent your PIP claim form prior to 2nd April? You did exactly the right thing in sending it Freepost; some people send it recorded delivery, but a signature for this is not from the DWP rather their local Post Office Sorting Depot. After the DWP do actually receive it, it can take several days to get logged into their system, unfortunately. I wouldn't worry as yet, but you can of course ring the DWP should you wish.

As mentioned. a Certificate of Postage is both free & helpful, perhaps of as much importance is keeping a copy of everything you sent, tho mail very rarely goes missing.

buildupbuttercup · May 2021

Thanks for the replies everyone, seems like a lot of other people are having this issue which is to be expected with covid delays on top of the usual sluggishness of the DWP. Unfortunately I didn't get proof of postage - not sure what counts as I literally just dropped it in a letter box with the freepost envelope. Yes I did this a fair few days before the deadline. I couldn't manage to get it posted sooner and I'm just praying it made it there in time and I'm just experiencing the same delays as everyone else. I can deal with waiting just about but I don't think I could cope if I missed the deadline due to slow post.

Will I get a text when it's been processed or am I waiting for a letter? Thanks.

wilko · May 2021

@buildupbuttercup, have you phoned the DWP to find out if they have received your PIP review application. My application went second class on a Tuesday yea time and tracked delivery 1120 the next day. I waited a week to make sure it was uploaded onto their computer system and it was but I had 12 weeks to wait for notification of phone assessment.

sarah1977 · May 2021

Send my daughter of end of dec, by recorded delivery. Ive not had and correspondence from them at all. I rang then up, in march and they yold me its with my independant assesments, spoke to them last week, its still in queue waiting to be picked up my an assesor..

buildupbuttercup · May 2021

@wilko @sarah1977 @kami24

I have some potentially helpful information for you guys. I finally got sorted enough to call DWP with my partner on 0800 121 44 33 (enquiry number) and just as we were about to hang up after an hour as my partner had to leave, someone answered! The agent who answered was very helpful and confirmed my form had been received. It was noted as being received after the deadline date but he told us not to worry as the deadline is not completely hard line due to covid slowing post & causing other delays. So don't worry if you are like me and aren't sure if your form made it on time despite sending it off with good time!

He told us to ring the company who are contracted to process PIP2 forms, quote my national insurance number, and that should mean my form gets looked at more quickly - he said I should hear back within 2 weeks of doing this. He told us that newer claims are being prioritised for processing for some reason at the moment, and my claim is new this is quite lucky for me if it's true. The number of the contracted company is:

0800 144 4880

All you need to do is confirm your national insurance number, and that should kickstart getting your claim looked at instead of just sitting stagnant for weeks and weeks.

He also gave us some advice for any questions and assessments: expect to be asked closed 'yes' or 'no' questions, the example he gave was being asked if I have a drivers license. He said to always give additional information and never just answer yes or no, as they will make assumptions where there is a lack of information which can hurt your claim. So in this example, if you answered yes to having a drivers license, but gave no other information, based on that they could record that you are therefore able to follow routes independently, that you have good upper torso strength, etc. and depending on your reason for claiming these such assumptions could mean the difference between being awarded and being denied PIP.

Hope this helps you guys.

sarah1977 · May 2021

@buildupbuttercup
Thank you for the info.
Looks like im in for the wait. As its for my daughter, its a new pip claim as she turned 16 in november 2020. But DLA are still paying whilst PIP is being looked at, her DLA award is due to finish this November. I rang up 2 weeks ago. Im going to leave it till the end of june, if i've not heard anything then ill contact them. Suppose they are doing it fairly, people already in payment waiting longer, and them that are not in payment dealt with quicker x

PIP timeline

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