PIP Helpline Advice

poppy12345

Spidey76 said:

 I’ll ring them first thing next week and see if they’ll let me go ahead with continuing the claim without my son being on the phone call.

There will be no issues with that because you're his appointee.

Spidey76

Just an update on this. I managed to get through and make the application without my son being on the phone call. Even I struggled with this call. The call handlers volume was quite low and it was difficult to make out what she was saying that they really rattle through the scripts they’re given. 

I couldn’t get a straight answer on this. She said she was going to give me another number but them cut me off. We normally have my sons DLA payment today but it hasn’t gone in. I’ve read one post online where someone said DWP “re-set” the payment date to the claimants 16th birthday. Is this correct? 

poppy12345

As you haven't received the payment then you will need to ring DLA.

dizzyblonde82

I've recently been through this for my son (now 17), he was diagnosed with autism aged 5 so I've always dealt with DLA and made appointee for him, we just got sent a form to complete to apply for PIP - I didn't have to ring and make a claim and his DLA continued to be paid unitl his PIP was awarded. We were fortunate that he didn't need a face 2 face assessment, I did get a call from an assessor and answered all questions on his behalf. It did take about 10 months from appling to getting PIP awarded, it was only when PIP was awarded that his payment date changed. 

peteuk

Spidey76 said:

. The call handlers volume was quite low and it was difficult to make out what she was saying that they really rattle through the scripts they’re given. 

Theres no script for a PIP assessment, routine questions yes, but its not scripted.  Assessors are given an hour to do the assessment in, so often focus on the areas in which you’ve stated an issue.  Eg if the person can walk a mile it will be a quick, you’ve stated no problems walking distance is that correct….and move on. 

Spoonie_Turtle

peteuk said:

Spidey76 said:

. The call handlers volume was quite low and it was difficult to make out what she was saying that they really rattle through the scripts they’re given. 

Theres no script for a PIP assessment, routine questions yes, but its not scripted.  Assessors are given an hour to do the assessment in, so often focus on the areas in which you’ve stated an issue.  Eg if the person can walk a mile it will be a quick, you’ve stated no problems walking distance is that correct….and move on. 

The phone call for making the application would be going through the questions for the PIP1 though, not the actual assessment. 

Spidey76

Hi everyone 

Thanks again for all your replies. I’ve got a feeling I’ll be making a bit more use of this forum as my sons PIP assessment form has arrived. On one hand I want to involve him but on the other I know he’s going to start feeling down about his limitations. The timing on this couldn’t be worse really, it’s all we can do to keep him focused on his exams. 

If anyone ever needs the info, his DLA payments were re-set to his birthday and his payment went in on the new correct date. 

Just to clarify a point from above, when I was talking about a “script” I meant the legalise they go through about making sure the information you give is accurate etc. 

It doesn’t feel like that long since I did his last DLA renewal so time to batten down the hatches and go again. 

Spoonie_Turtle

Spidey76 said:

Hi everyone 

Thanks again for all your replies. I’ve got a feeling I’ll be making a bit more use of this forum as my sons PIP assessment form has arrived. On one hand I want to involve him but on the other I know he’s going to start feeling down about his limitations. 

It's really important to know that PIP has specific criteria, different from DLA.

This is the long read https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

This is the CAB general guide https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form-pip/
This is further info from the CAB https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/how-decisions-are-made/  (check also the linked PDFs on that page).

Actually this page is for the Scottish version but it appears to be assessed the same as PIP, and has separated each of the activities into their own document with good explanation and examples.  It might be more useful as reference than the first link I gave you.  https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/guidance-resources/guidance/decision-making-guide

In terms of involving him, maybe you could ask if there's anything he wants you to include for each of the activities?  That way he has the opportunity for any input if he wants but without the burden of having to think about it if he doesn't want to.  What awful timing with his exams though, I'm so sorry to hear that 

Newly_retired

PIP descriptors.pdf (citizensadvice.org.uk)
This is how points are awarded. It is not the same as DLA. It is worth spending time thinking about these.