Waiting for PIP Assessment Letter

Jack_Itin

O.k. I sent off my PIP claim form mid November, and am waiting to hear from them one way or another, I am assuming that I will be called to a face to face interview as I am a new claimant......the thing is, my mobility has got a whole lot worse since I filled in the forms, some days I struggle to get out of the house, should I inform them of this ? or wait until I hear from them ?......Any advice appreciated....Jack.

NeilCr

Personally, I'd wait.

If you contact them now it may well cause confusion and delay. On the assumption you get a face to face you'll be able to explain the situation (and your condition) there

Jack_Itin

Thanks for the reply, presumably all new claimants get a face to face ?....I did explain my difficulties on the form, and backed it up with photo's and hospital discharge papers etc etc. what I didn't explain is that cold weather makes things worse, to the point that I can hardly walk at all some days, but as you suggest, I can explain this at the f2f, assuming that I get one......Jack.

NeilCr

Normally you would

Information here about the assessment and how to prepare for it

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-pip-claim/your-assessment/

TELLIT01

Jack_Itin wrote: »

Thanks for the reply, presumably all new claimants get a face to face ?..

The original claim was that virtually all claimants would have face to face interviews. I understand that this is no longer the case and many are being assessed purely on the basis of the claim form.

NeilCr

That's interesting TELLIT01. Can you tell us where that comes from? Not saying it isn't true but, certainly, in our area the clients I see are practically all getting face to face assessments

Jack_Itin

An update....Have now got an appointment with Capita, for a face to face, in two weeks time, was dreading having to travel miles for this, but couldn't be easier, bus stop is just at the bottom of our street, and, at the other end is just two minutes from where f2f is to be held, I have seen advice about not using public transport to get to these assessments, but why not ? some days I can walk a little further than others, so should be o.k. just hope it's one of my better days......we shall see....Jack.

Tolly_T

The reason not to use public transport is that they often don't consider variability or the reliability criteria when deciding how far you can walk. If you say you walked for 2 minutes from the bus stop they'll assume you did that at normal speed, without stops and that you could repeat it and might give you zero points. Even if you say differently they might ignore what you tell them. That's not to say you shouldn't do it, if you can walk from the bus stop then you should do that but emphasise if it was with difficulty.

I had my assessment before Christmas. I have a lot of difficulty walking because of breathlessness and pain. I was dropped at the door to the centre. Walked about 3 metres to a seat then after a break I walked about 10 metres to the appointment room which was observed to be with breathlessness and slowly. The lady decided I could walk 20-50 metres. It doesn't make sense if they see you struggling so much to manage 10 metres to decide that you could walk further without difficulty. They might decide walking 2 minutes from the bus stop means you could run 5k!!

Jack_Itin

Point taken, If it's a bad day it will be a struggle to walk to the bus stop at the bottom of our street, and the same the assessment center end, I guess it all depends how the interview goes on the day, I believe that I have a strong case as some days I can hardly walk at all and have to use a mobility scooter.......we will see in two weeks.....Jack.

Jack_Itin

O.k.....Had Capita PIP assessment today, it seemed to go very well, it was done by a very nice lady who is an ex nurse.....there didn't seem to be any "trick" questions, but it wouldn't have mattered, as I told it like it is...she remarked that she noticed that I was struggling to walk and stand, and made a note of it, whether this is passed on to DWP remains to be seen.....she also said that her report will be sent to DWP today, and that a decision will be made "within 8 weeks"....I understand that depending on area this can be sooner, rather than later, any thoughts on this? bearing in mind that I am in the Midlands......Jack.

Tolly_T

I can't comment on the area but I phoned the DWP the day after my assessment. They said they hadn't got the report at that time but would make a note to send it when it arrived and it was with me 3 days later. The DWP letter giving me an award which matched the points suggested by the nurse came 10 days after that. All far quicker than I expected. I have heard of other areas getting quick responses at the moment.