New pip application......what's next?

Choccygirl123 · 5 January 2019 at 2:08AM

I've been off work since August and am waiting for more surgery. I waited as had hoped my problems would resolve themselves, but I've been unlucky abd they haven't. I'm currently on ssp from my employer.

I applied for Pip over the phone on 27th nov. I completed and returned paperwork just before Christmas. It's been delivered, but I've not heard anything to confirm they've received it.

What is the next step? Will they contact my gp and consultants to confirm my mobility problems and other issues abd arrange for a medical? how long does the whole process take? The other question, is if successful do they back date the payments to when you applied?

I've never had to claim anything before, so totally unsure of how the system works. Apologies for all the questions, but the gov website isn't that informative.

Thanks for any advice.

poppy12345 · 5 January 2019 at 6:58AM

Once they've received your form they send them to the health assessment advisory and from there it's decided if a face to face assessment is needed, most people have them. Timescales for this vary depending on backlog in your area. Some wait weeks, while other wait several months.

They very rarely contact anyone for any evidence, the onus is always on the claimant to send evidence to support their claim. Did you send any with the form? It does tell you on the front of the form what to send with your claim.

If successful then it's backdated to the date you rang to start your claim.

poppy12345 · 5 January 2019 at 7:19AM

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

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

If you didn't send evidence to support your claim you can try to hand it on the day of the assessment but don't be surprised if they refuse to accept it. This happened to me twice when i wanted to hand in extra evidence. It's also happened to a lot of other people. Here's a list of what is accepted as evidence.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/your-supporting-evidence/

Choccygirl123 · 5 January 2019 at 3:22PM

Thank you for the replies, good advice.

I did send the only document I have, which is a very brief letter from my consultant. it was from August and a copy that was sent to my gp abd situation has changed a lot since then. I'm sure I'll need a medical and am expecting to have to appeal.

I guess I just need to hurry up and wait.

Crazydennie · 5 January 2019 at 5:12PM

I'm in a similar position to you Choccygirl123. Never applied for PIP before and made my phone call on November 12th. Had a text to say they have received my PIP2 the day after posting as it was sent special delivery. I think it is just a waiting game. I am really hoping to not have a F2F but as this seems rare I am expecting an appointment letter to drop through anytime.

Fingers crossed we both hear soon.

Choccygirl123 · 5 January 2019 at 9:52PM

I sent mine special delivery too but did t get a text. I hate having to apply but ssp just doesn't go far.

calcotti · 5 January 2019 at 9:58PM

Choccygirl123 wrote: »

I sent mine special delivery too but did t get a text. I hate having to apply but ssp just doesn't go far.

If you are single and SSP is your only income you could get a small UC top up which might increase after 3 months. Are you getting any other benefits currently? Do you rent your home?

Choccygirl123 · 6 January 2019 at 11:32AM

Hi calcitti

I'm married with 2 children and a homeowner. I don't think there's any other help I can currently claim due to household income. Hubby on good wage but it's made uTo be honest it's just been a shock and wake up call. I've finally have my light bulb moment and am budgeting, meal planning and trying to pay debts down.

poppy12345 · 6 January 2019 at 11:50AM

Do be aware of the 9 month rule for PIP. Your conditions must be expected to last at least this amount of time. With surgery they could say that your condition could improve over time. Surgery is usually done to improve your condition.

calcotti · 6 January 2019 at 12:42PM

Choccygirl123 wrote: »

Hi calcitti

I'm married with 2 children and a homeowner. I don't think there's any other help I can currently claim due to household income. Hubby on good wage but it's made uTo be honest it's just been a shock and wake up call. I've finally have my light bulb moment and am budgeting, meal planning and trying to pay debts down.

Be aware then that if you are still unwell when your SSP comes to an end (in late February?) you can apply for new style ESA which is a non mean tested benefit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance. You will need to meet the NI contribution requirements for the period April 2016 to March 2018.

Choccygirl123 · 6 January 2019 at 3:10PM

Thank you Calcutti, that's good to know. I think employer will finish me as not been there 2years. Trying to see the positive that it's made me budget and realise need some savings behind us. My contributions slate paid up so should qualify. Thank you fir taking the time to reply abd share links, I really appreciate it.

New pip application......what's next?

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