PIP - First review and deadline

Demerara

Hello,

It's time for my PIP to be reviewed . I know this question has likely been asked many times but I would like confirmation about the DWP's current stance regarding the deadline in sending them the review form back.

In the past, I believe that as long as you had posted the form back by the deadline and had proof of postage, DWP would accept your documents.

Is this still the case as I am now reading a few online posts saying to make sure to post in advance as DWP needs to scan etc?

Many, many thanks!

Alice_Holt

I would try to get it back in plenty of time.

If you find yourself against the deadline, ring PIP and get an extension.

My understanding is that the date of receipt is when the form is scanned onto the PIP system, not when it is received by the outsourced mail handling company.
I don't know what leeway PIP are currently allowing.

calcotti

Alice_Holt said:

... ring PIP and get an extension.

I would always suggest that anyway - but then still aim to post by the original deadline.

dizzyblonde82

I was cutting it fine sending in my son's application form as waiting for school to provide statements, I gave them a quick call and they gave me a week's extension.

Demerara

Thank you @Alice_Holt @calcotti (glad you two are still around ) and @dizzyblonde82 .

My deadline is 25/04 and i sent the form back today first class. I guess I need to give them a call tomorrow morning ... just in case.

Robbie64

Although it isn't publicised, PIP do allow an extra week beyond the date the form has to be returned by. This is to allow time for the form to be scanned onto the PIP system. The additional week is built in to the PIP system and is set automatically. I would still ask for an extension though. At the moment PIP seem to be granting a 4 week extension by default to anyone phoning up to ask for more time to complete the review form.

Alice_Holt

Thanks Robbie that's useful to know.

Demerara

Thank you @Robbie64

I will call them tomorrow.

I know they don't do email addresses or else they will just be flooded but I am hard of hearing and I absolutely loathe phone calls as they are such a struggle. I wish that when doing the reviews, they would allow email as default communication for PIP beneficiaries who are hard of hearing/deaf.

Spoonie_Turtle

Demerara said:

Thank you @Robbie64

I will call them tomorrow.

I know they don't do email addresses or else they will just be flooded but I am hard of hearing and I absolutely loathe phone calls as they are such a struggle. I wish that when doing the reviews, they would allow email as default communication for PIP beneficiaries who are hard of hearing/deaf.

Just in case you weren't aware, there is Relay UK if you don't have a textphone
https://www.relayuk.bt.com/

PIP enquiry line
Telephone: 0800 121 4433
Textphone: 0800 121 4493
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 121 4433

Edit: don't be put off by the word 'cannot', the service is there for anyone who would find it helpful.

[The inaccessibility of all the admin to do with a disability benefit should be shocking, except most of us are jaded and know it's the norm - good access is still a shock at this point!]

Demerara

Thanks @Spoonie_Turtle I am aware of RelayUK (I preferred their old version of the app, NGT Lite) but I still find phone calls so stressful!

When I initially applied for PIP, i did write to them separately to ask for communication via email but this was only temporary while they were looking at my application. It was a struggle as everything with the PIP process.

I hope we move to the same system as the Scots are trialling, looks more straightforward and less stressful!

calcotti

Demerara said:

I hope we move to the same system as the Scots are trialling, looks more straightforward and less stressful!

Very unlikely IMO.