Advice Needed about PIP, ESA or other

niki_s_uk

Hi, there's a very good website called Benefits and Work.

You pay a fee to join it for a year but on there they have everything you need.

There are notes to tell you how to fill your forms in so that you use the 'descriptors' they are looking for.

The forms are really tricky now since they changed to PIP, so I really would advise you join - it really is worth it. There's also notes for claiming other benefits.

The site also has a forum, where you can ask questions and for help if you need it to from people who are very, very clued up about it all - welfare rights workers, people who sit on panels etc.

It honestly was the best money I'd spent because the way I'd fill in the form is not what the decision makers are looking for.

It helped me make the move from Incapacity Benefit over to ESA - I was terrified with the whole thing but I finally got it sorted and placed into the support group.

Then it helped me again when my DLA was changed over to PIP. Again I was very worried about it all but with the notes to work from I was able to make my claim much easier and was awarded PIP at the same rate I was on DLA.

Next time I'm due a review I will certainly be going back on the site for help again.

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Newly_retired

The CAB website now has similar help with both PIP and ESA forms. It takes you through step by step, with examples. It is free.
But better still if you can get an appointment with an advisor to complete the form with you.

ukmaggie45

What was the date on your Mother's decision notice? She needs to put in a request for a Mandatory Consideration before she can ask for a Tribunal. This request has to be received by DWP a month from the date on the decision notice. Seeing as it can take a week or more for the decision notice to reach you in fact you only have about 3 weeks to get this sent. Keep a photocopy of the letter, and at least send it "signed for". I was running out of time when I sent my PIP form in, so we sent Guaranteed Next Day Delivery and also Registered post. I've had the PIP Assessment, and am now waiting for the decision.

You don't have to send in additional evidence for the Mandatory Consideration, but if you have it or can get it in time it *may* be worth sending it. Oh, and phone DWP and ask for a copy of the Medical Report. We've requested my report already, the chap on the phone told us that it takes 2 weeks for them to send it out, plus seeing as it's send 2nd class post it takes around 3 weeks to reach you. Best to follow up with a letter too, as apparently some telephone requests "go missing".

If it's over a month from the date of your Mother's decision notice and you can't persuade DWP to allow mandatory reconsideration as it's too late your Mum can re-apply for PIP straight away.

As well as the wonderful Benefits and Work that others have recommended there's also a group called Fightback that you can find on Facebook. Their website is here.

Good luck to your Mother!