Timescales - Festive Period

CosmoChic

I've just realised the date when I *should* receive my PIP Assessment decision falls a couple of days before Christmas Day.  Does anyone know if  the timescales regarding requesting Mandatory Reconsideration generally relaxed/extended over that period?  Or am I likely to be spending Christmas Day and Hogmanay furiously typing out where I believe the assessor has *got it wrong*?  

Spoonie_Turtle

CosmoChic said:

I've just realised the date when I *should* receive my PIP Assessment decision falls a couple of days before Christmas Day.  Does anyone know if  the timescales regarding requesting Mandatory Reconsideration generally relaxed/extended over that period?  Or am I likely to be spending Christmas Day and Hogmanay furiously typing out where I believe the assessor has *got it wrong*?  

I'm curious as to what led you to that timing? Have you had your assessment? Once you've had your assessment you can request a copy of the report when DWP let you know they have it (or if not, about a week after your assessment). Then you can see what the decision is likely to be because they rarely go against the report, and if you feel it's wrong you can start drafting an MR request ready to go if the decision turns out that way.

However your central question is interesting and no doubt a position people do find themselves in, but as the timeline refers to a calendar month rather than working days, I wouldn't risk thinking there is any relaxation of the deadline - celebrating the holidays is unlikely to be considered good reason for returning an MR request late. Postal delays may happen but that wouldn't really be in your control, as long as you have proof of posting within plenty of time for it to reasonably get there.

CosmoChic

Hi Spoonie_Turtle, thanks for replying.  Yes I had an assessment on 27/10/20.  Assessor said about 8 weeks until outcome would be notified, which takes us to 22/12/20 approx.  On 29/10/20 DWP texted to say they had the report and I called them to request a copy.   I haven't received the copy as yet - there have been some problems with my mail over the years - I live in a flatted property where it's a regular occurrence to receive a neighbour's mail.  Some neighbours are dilligent in passing on misdelivered mail, some not so dilligent.   Anyway, if I don't receive the copy on Monday, I'll call them again and request it again.  Like most people, I'm just a bit anxious.  

poppy12345

The timescale you were given by the assessor is nothing more than a guide. They mostly always tell people this timescales, why? i have no idea because they would have no idea of backlogs or anything like this.

The actually answer is.... there's no timescales. A decision will be made when it's made. If it hasn't been made by the time your award is due to end then it will stop. There's no "relaxation" because of the Xmas period.

The report will give you some idea and if there's no award recommended then you can start to write the MR letter but can't request it until the decision is made. Once it's made if you're not happy then you'll have 1 month from that date to request the MR.

Spoonie_Turtle

CosmoChic said:

Hi Spoonie_Turtle, thanks for replying.  Yes I had an assessment on 27/10/20.  Assessor said about 8 weeks until outcome would be notified, which takes us to 22/12/20 approx.  On 29/10/20 DWP texted to say they had the report and I called them to request a copy.   I haven't received the copy as yet - there have been some problems with my mail over the years - I live in a flatted property where it's a regular occurrence to receive a neighbour's mail.  Some neighbours are dilligent in passing on misdelivered mail, some not so dilligent.   Anyway, if I don't receive the copy on Monday, I'll call them again and request it again.  Like most people, I'm just a bit anxious.  

Ah right. The 8 weeks is just a guide, mine took either 2 or 3 (in fact I received the decision before they even sent the report, which I also had to request a second time) - though the decision date was dated 7 days before the letter reached me. For some people it takes longer; it just depends on the workload and staffing for your area really. All you can do is just see what happens, and if you get the report before your decision then you'll know if you're likely to need to challenge the decision or not.

I hope it's good news for you, but if it's not and you know what you should be entitled to then do fight for it

CosmoChic

Again, Spoonie_Turtle, thanks for the reassurance.  I'm *trying* to keep my anxiety under control - easier said than done though!  

born_again

If you keep checking your bank account. You will notice that you get any payments, before the letter reaches you.

CosmoChic

born_again said:

If you keep checking your bank account. You will notice that you get any payments, before the letter reaches you.

Absolutely spot on, @born_again !  Payment pending for tomorrow.    I still don't have a copy of the letter or report but, tonight, that can wait!!  

Thanks again, everyone, for keeping me calm(ish).