PIP question

poppy12345

Jack_bauer24 said:

However, she said it will just be a brief summary of my issues and medication etc, she said that if PIP needs more information, they will contact the GP. 

As has been advised, they very rarely contact anyone for any evidence. I've claimed PIP for almost 11 years and am going through my 4th review and they've never been contacted, so please don't expect them to do that. 

Having said that, I don't think I'd want them to anyway because my GP doesn't really know how my conditions affect me.

Jack_bauer24

Just out of interest. If I get awarded PIP, will I still have to attend Job Centre appointments? sorry if this is a stupid question, but I don't know how it works as I never claimed PIP. 

Also, if I get awarded it, will my Universal Credit payments stop?

poppy12345

Jack_bauer24 said:

Just out of interest. If I get awarded PIP, will I still have to attend Job Centre appointments? sorry if this is a stupid question, but I don't know how it works as I never claimed PIP. 

Also, if I get awarded it, will my Universal Credit payments stop?

Yes, you will still need to attend the WFI for UC because a PIP award doesn't automatically entitle you to LCWRA. 

No UC will not stop, PIP will be paid as well as UC. 

Jack_bauer24

poppy12345 said:

Jack_bauer24 said:

Just out of interest. If I get awarded PIP, will I still have to attend Job Centre appointments? sorry if this is a stupid question, but I don't know how it works as I never claimed PIP. 

Also, if I get awarded it, will my Universal Credit payments stop?

Yes, you will still need to attend the WFI for UC because a PIP award doesn't automatically entitle you to LCWRA. 

No UC will not stop, PIP will be paid as well as UC. 

Ok, thanks for letting me know. I am going to ask doctor on Monday when he rings me to get a 3 month fit note to start the process of LCWRA as I just need Job Centre to leave me alone with these appointments as it's making me suicidal as my mental health is really bad and struggling to walk. My suicidal thoughts always flair up when Job Centre gets in touch with appointments as I am worried it will be a face to face and I don't like going outside since my dislocation knee cap since last March. 

peteuk

Jack_bauer24 said:

Update: I have spoken with my GP on the phone and she said, she can post the medical evidence by post after my appointment and it will be free of charge.  

However, she said it will just be a brief summary of my issues and medication etc, she said that if PIP needs more information, they will contact the GP. 

There is a triage process with PIP, where an assessor will look briefly at the claim and decide if it can be done, either by paper assessment,  by assessment or if it needs more info.   Very rarely do they PIP assessors contact GP, nor do they have access to electronic GP notes. 

I take it your GP will post the medical evidence after their appointment with you.   As a matter of course these days any hospital appointments usually copy the patients home address into the disturbution, so therefore any specialist appointments you should be sent a copy of the letter they send to your GP. 

kimwp

Not sure it solves any of the problems, but you mentioned not having a printer - libraries have printers for public use.

Jack_bauer24

kimwp said:

Not sure it solves any of the problems, but you mentioned not having a printer - libraries have printers for public use.

Hi, I am not sure if you have been reading my previous posts, but I can't get outside, I haven't been outside since April last year, since I dislocated my knee cap in March last year. I am scared of going outside now, just in case my knee cap dislocates outside. 

I am also struggling to walk. I am also anxious when I am around people as I am suffering from Social anxiety. 

I got no one to collect them print outs. So, that is why I asked my GP to post them.

kkkklinky

You shouldn't need medical evidence, my partner got PIP and he hasn't seen his GP in over 10 years, as far as I'm aware they rarely contact medical professionals. 

Muttleythefrog

kkkklinky said:

You shouldn't need medical evidence, my partner got PIP and he hasn't seen his GP in over 10 years, as far as I'm aware they rarely contact medical professionals. 

Sounds like that may change if the current PM remains in power.... in today's speech.. among other things (from BBC article linked below)

The government will launch a consultation on toughening up the eligibility criteria for PIP by demanding "greater medical evidence" about the type and severity of mental health conditions.

(This speech was mainly about targeting the sick out of work including removing GP ability to issue 'sick notes' and removing benefits entirely from some who do not engage or take work but with a safety net whatever that means if not benefits).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68853166 (Please note link may distress some readers but I would caution that given the political backdrop this is more likely to reflect repositioning for an election which will very likely be lost)

So as caution/general advice I would advise claimants to keep on top of supporting medical evidence particularly pertaining to mental health... and also claim PIP sooner rather than later if believe could be entitled.

Official links (again could cause distress to some members) are the most recent 3 on https://www.gov.uk/welfare#news_and_communications

peteuk

General advice - In my experience as a PIP assessor (previous employment) its easier if their is medical evidence to write an assessment and to back up a descriptor.   It can also equally work the other way. 

For instance if Ortho write a letter saying “Arthirits of the knee is now worsening, patient is struggling to stand from chair and mobilise, unable to fully weight bear through left knee - placed on a waiting list for replacement.  Will then look at right knee as not so bad at present…

It gives the assessor more info….

Equally if Ortho write - patient fell and fractured left ankle, uncomplicated fracture has been in plaster of Paris and is healing albeit slowly - still walking with a stick, expect to be out of plaster in a month - physio and look at mobility, seems fairly active but reluctant to put full weight through ankle….

Although it gives more info it has more of a negative impact on the assessment especially if as a claimant your claiming you cant walk more that 20 yards etc etc…

Most letters from hospitals are now copied into the patients home address, so if you are attending a hospital appointment do check they have the right address, to ensure you receive the letters.  At present you can pick and choose what evidence you provide to support your PIP claim, obviously if they give assessors access to your medical records they will be able to see all of it.