DWP waiting times

venomx

Are pip and esa waiting times the same? 
Last time my esa took about 3 months I think so I'm expecting another one soon as its been just under a year 
Sent my pip form off 2 weeks ago and called up to confirm they've received the form and supporting information. 

Is it any use calling up and finding the status of the claim?

Also I heard the esa forms are very lengthy about 50 pages, is that true? 

poppy12345

venomx said:

Are pip and esa waiting times the same? 
Last time my esa took about 3 months I think so I'm expecting another one soon as its been just under a year 
Sent my pip form off 2 weeks ago and called up to confirm they've received the form and supporting information. 

Is it any use calling up and finding the status of the claim? 

There's no timescales for any decision. For the ESA reassessments it can be anything from 3 months.

As for your PIP. it's only 2 weeks since you sent the form and all you can do is wait. Most people have face to face assessments so expect one of those and if it's needed they'll send you an appointment letter. Nothing else you can do in the meantime.

calcotti

We are experiencing delays for PIP assessments at the moment. Post handling at DWP seems to have improved but there have been delays at IAS.
Frequency of ESA assessments is not fixed, depends on whether DWP think your condition might change or not.

venomx

My issue is mental health, been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was in hospital for 4 years sectioned and taking meds which I still take now

Filled out the pip form with help from my care company who know how to fill the forms properly along with a letter from my psychiatrist as supporting evidence

The only thing holding me back anxiety attacks so having to wait is horrible esp as I have bills to pay

The thought of an assessment centre scares me as I heard they're. Intense

I didn't have to go to an assessment centre for my esa last year

venomx

What sort of things do they ask at an assessment centre?

If I do have to go it would need to be in the morning as my anxiety is worse in the afternoon 

poppy12345

venomx said:

What sort of things do they ask at an assessment centre? 

It will depend on how your conditions affect you against the PIP descriptors. You'll need to verify what you wrote in the form as well as answer any other questions they ask you. See link for more information.

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

venomx

poppy12345 said:

venomx said:

What sort of things do they ask at an assessment centre? 

It will depend on how your conditions affect you against the PIP descriptors. You'll need to verify what you wrote in the form as well as answer any other questions they ask you. See link for more information.

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

Thanks for the info Ive had a quick glimpse at the site. Don't feel comfortable having to go through all my mental health history as I have to do that with a psychiatrist regularly and obviously when I was sectioned for 4 years. But if u have to then so be it

My last pip claim I didn't have to go to a face to face assessment,  have the regulations changed? 

calcotti

 My last pip claim I didn't have to go to a face to face assessment,  have the regulations changed? 

Not everybody has to go for an assessment. Most do but if the assessor thinks there is enough evidence to make an informed decision without seeing you they will do this.

venomx

OK thanks for the info guys 
 Wish they could get back to me quicker so I don't have to wait but I suppose it's the same for everyone 

If I have to go to an assessment it would have to be in the morning when my anxiety isn't as prominent 

venomx

If I have to attend an assessment am I able to choose a time and date that suits me?
Morning is the only time I have less anxiety attacks

On the citizens advice bearau link posted it says take your form with you, how can I do this if I've sent it off? 

calcotti

venomx said:

If I have to attend an assessment am I able to choose a time and date that suits me?
Morning is the only time I have less anxiety attacks

On the citizens advice bearau link posted it says take your form with you, how can I do this if I've sent it off? 

Did you put on our form the difficulties you will have attending in the morning? There is a question at the end which asks you whether you will have any difficulties attending.
if you didn’t make a copy you can’t take it with you. Citizens Advice suggest having a copy so you can refer to it you want to but it’s not a requirement.