PIP application

Crisp_£_note

Thanks, I have no idea how much I would be paid so not expecting much of a lump sum to backdates of what they owe. Ive had the condition now for over 10 years and had applied before many years ago when it was DLA but was declined, went to tribunal and still declined however since then its progressively become worse and I also suffer with phobias now too and other illnesses (not linked).

If ever I could do witht he financiall help it would be now especialy as I am worrying to my wits end about my ESA being cut completely in April thanks to the government my 2 years is up although im not due for review until next year I just not entitled to any more payments. My bank has closed my account because they say ive gone overdrawn when I simply cannot and my statements show that I havent ever (online) and therefore all my DD are stopped (including my husbands tax credits going in) so my bills will soon be in a mess and as quick as I am struggling to cope to sort them out im terrified I am losing the battle and will be back in debt (I had a DRO a couple years ago (all the debt was at the time built up from priority living expenses not careless frivilous spending) which is now 'served' but am still within the 6 year 'good behaviour' period). Although saying all this there is still no guarantee I will be granted the approval to recieve the PIP anyway and still have several hoops n hurdles to negotiate by the sounds of it anyways. :eek:

Crisp_£_note

Rang up PIP at DWP to ask them about my application made in August. The advisor told me most clams are taking 4 - 6 weeks to be assessed by them and it was refered to ATOS in August and obviously this is way over their timescale. I told him I called them in October and was waiting to be given an assessment appointment. He advised me to call ATOS again and see what the hold up was.

I rang ATOS and they just repeated the same advice saying my application status is pending meaning they are waiting for a face to face consultation appointment to be made for me. I asked them how much longer this would take as I have been waiting since August and they told me this in October and all the advisor could say was their allocated automatically by the computer system and its a matter of waiting for an available appointment. They advised I would be moving up the waiting list each week as others get their appointments and more become available but its just a waiting game. Unfortunately there isnt any further information available on their files and thats all they could tell me.
:mad:
Is there really nobody else I can complain to or take this up with as this is getting a bit pathetic and pharceical now considering it's almost 6 months since I submitted the form and I don't even know if my application is accepted or not and if I am going to be awarded any PIP benefit eventually if successful. It is very stressfull and I realise I am certainly not the only one being left waiting and treated like this of course. Surely though they should put more action in place to get things moving I couldnt imagine how long I would be waiting if I had to apply today! It wouldnt be so bad if I actually knew if my application had been acceted as waiting to be assessed isnt much of an answer or clue.

Thanks sorry to rant again!

Indie_Kid

Some people have got their MPs involved, which some have said it has helped speed up the process.

Crisp_£_note

Thanks. I wouldnt know how to contact them or who to contact but if someone could point me in the right direction this could be a help.

Thanks

Indie_Kid

http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/

Just type your postcode in and it will tell you who your MP is.

Crisp_£_note

Thanks have found them (Conservative) now I need a basic template letter if theres one available anywhere please?

Crisp_£_note

Please can anyone suggest what I need to say to my MP?

Is there any chance things will be moving faster soon or the whole shambolic assessment system will be scrapped completely considering ATOS has requested ending their contract early?

As it stands with me still no further contact from ATOS over my PIP claim so still waiting for info! Causing me so much extra stress, anxiety and upset

My ESA benefit is due to be withdrawn next month (April) and I am constantly worrying about how we are going to make ends meet. Husband's seasonal work is just about restart for this year but its an as and when so it still isn't going to make a difference to me (as he doesn't share his income other than the Tax Credits which pay for the roof over our heads and the bills associated with it (the food on the table is paid currently partly by my ESA income! The remainder goes into savings for emergencies which soon we will be depleting rapidly when we end up with less money) due to having to pay his own bills and overheads) so probably a deficit in the long term outlook. I am thinking what can I do to work but am limited to working from home as self employed due to my mental and physical difficulties (I don't drive either). The more I consider it the more it stresses me out and so the cycle pattern continues round and round!
Good to get it out of the system the circle drives me crazy!
Thanks in advance.

925dancer

Just send an email with timescales and dates asking if he can help in any way. I went off on a big waffle. In the end I don't think it sped things up at all but at least it's drawing their attention to the issues.

Also, Atos want out of ESA assessments not PIP, that contract carries on as it is for now, despite it being completely shambolic, MPs are still somewhat in denial about the scale of problems. In public anyway....

Crisp_£_note

Thanks. I am considering seeking help from local CAB too as I feel should I complain direct they will use that against me.

I requested the form in early July and received it on 15th July.

I submitted the info on 8th August 2013.

On 27th September I rang to check they had received it as hadnt even had a letter to acknowledge anything. They confirmed they had received the claim application and said "it had been sent to assessment on 23rd August where it was being dealt with and I should hear from them in a little while longer".

28th October I rang the PIP helpline again and was told my claim was over with ATOS so to call them.
So I rang and ATOS Healthcare said "they are waiting for an available appointment at a centre for me to attend a face to face assessment interview and will send me the appointment out in post but they couldnt say when or how long I would have to wait."

In January Rang up PIP at DWP to ask them about my application made in August. The advisor told me most clams are taking 4 - 6 weeks to be assessed by them and it was refered to ATOS in August and obviously this is way over their timescale. I told him I called them in October and was waiting to be given an assessment appointment. He advised me to call ATOS again and see what the hold up was.

So I imediately rang ATOS and they just repeated the same advice saying my application status is pending meaning they are waiting for a face to face consultation appointment to be made for me. I asked them how much longer this would take as I have been waiting since August and they told me this in October and all the advisor could say was their allocated automatically by the computer system and its a matter of waiting for an available appointment. They advised I would be moving up the waiting list each week as others get their appointments and more become available but its just a waiting game. Unfortunately there isnt any further information available on their files and thats all they could tell me.


So I have just totted up the weeks and its now as of todatys date (5th March 2014) around 27 weeks ATOS has had my forms and still I haven't heared a thing! So much for the 4 - 6 weeks! :mad:

Confuseddot

Unfortunately if you have a read at the Pip thread you will find quite a lot of people in a similar situation as you, not a help I know, but at least its not personal.


Why is your esa stopping ?