Germantara

[Germantara]

Hi every one I got my pip forms but I've rang about citizens advice and other places can't fit me in till end September I do understand there busy feel dissapointed

[peege]

Honestly, I think its worth waiting for an appointment. The time will rush by. P

[Germantara in reply to peege]

That's true

[hypercat54]

Don't know your age but I think if you are 60? (might be before) or over you can contact one of the helplines like Age UK.

[Germantara in reply to hypercat54]

I'm nearly 62 I rang age UK and others but all fully booked some mentioned the website gives good guidance I get daughter ta look and see there was also a mention off welfare rights I going to try them

[Monty11]

Try the charity scope. They were brilliant with my hubby

[simplesprout]

There is a website called benefits and work. It costs £15 for a years subscription but it gives step by step guides for all benefit forms and run by benefit advisors. Its an absolute treasure of information. Someone from this forum recommended to me while I was on the lung transplant list, but had been refused PIP. It also covers all legal changes going on in the benefit system and the dirty tricks that DWP try to use to dissuade claimants. I hope this helps.

[Alberta56 in reply to simplesprout]

That sounds brilliant. Thanks for posting. xxx

[BreatheasyBe in reply to Alberta56]

Yeah benefits and work website is a great resource.

[Davegt in reply to simplesprout]

The DWP do not use "dirty tricks". It is unfair to make such a statement. All the time they have to work within the legislation to decide entitlement to benefit. Many of the rules and regulations are complex and it is advisable to seek advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice to assist with claims.

[simplesprout in reply to Davegt]

I have said it exactly as it was said on benefits and work, and they included examples such as refusing to supply information despite the freedom of information act. Cutting of clamaints calls. If you read exactly as I wrote, I personally didn't claim anything.

[Davegt in reply to simplesprout]

I did not find the expression "dirty tricks" on the Benefits and Work website. I noted that you did not use it in quotes so I opine that is your personal expression of what you read rather than direct experience.The DWP are there to help people and millions receive various benefits to which they are entitled.

[simplesprout in reply to Davegt]

They actually send out a monthly news letter and I can assure you that it was the exact description they used. Anyway as your so protective,can you explain why the company's they put so much faith in such as Atos have had such bad press. Also in some recent years the appeals success rate against them have been as high as 70 %.

[Davegt in reply to simplesprout]

"Put so much faith in." Below relates to ASOS

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) tried to prevent its most controversial private sector contractor winning a five-year £338 million contract to provide disability benefit assessments, court documents suggest.

DWP tried to prevent but court ruling went against DWP. As you can see DWP are not always able to do what they would like to do. Rules and Regulations for the tendering process are complex and DWP are required to follow those. ASOS are not necessarily the preferred option.

On the question of appeals, there are numerous reasons why this may happen. One major reason is customers completing their own forms without outside help. Being disallowed then encourages them to seek guidance from welfare organisations who go into more detail. On appeal they then often win.

I am aware there has been much criticism of ASOS and they are not always the preferred option. However when Courts become involved DWP's hands are tied.

Often comments are made without knowing the full picture.

I think this is sufficient correspondence on this issue and do not wish to comment further.

[Davegt in reply to Davegt]

OOPS I MEAN ATOS ABOVE!

[Germantara in reply to Davegt]

Thankyou I always find any conversation on any topic interesting there's always some good knowledge in it that some were will be helpfull not just for me but for everyone I appreciate it thankyou

[Davegt in reply to Germantara]

Many thanks for your kind words, much appreciated. 🥰

[garshe]

Age concern have stopped filling in these forms in South Wales. There are so many applying they cant keep up with the work load. xxSheila

[Ergendl]

What a sad sign of the times, that these charities are overwhelmed with requests for help. Here is another charity that has advisors across the country, CAP. I'm not sure if they would be able to help you. capuk.org/money-and-debt-ad...

As mentioned above, Benefits and Work is a great website for giving guidance about applying: benefitsandwork.co.uk/

[Germantara in reply to Ergendl]

Thankyou

[Alberta56]

I would apply now, filling in the form as best you can, and, if turned down, fill it in again when you can get help. From my limited experience, they will backdate PIP to when you first applied., which is cold comfort now if you need the money, but might bring you a few hundred pounds later. Remember always tell them your worst case scenario- not the good days when you can do a few things, but the bad days when you are really struggling. Best of luck. xxx

[Nancy32]

I don’t know where you live. I am in Scotland and we have a council service called advice works, they have helped me with my forms and they van usually fit you in pretty quickly. Hope you get the same service

[GintyFerguson]

I agree just do your best and complete it . I've been told you are to write about your worst day . If your writing is shaky then maybe someone else can scribe or maybe a friend or relative can help . PIP just need to know how the issues impact your life, what it stops you doing and enjoying and how the money would make a difference . Good luck.

[Zand60]

I googled mine to make sure I was answering them properly. They access them on a points system and you answer the questions as if you're suffering your worst day, minus oxygen. It is a long haul and I had to learn how to photocopy all my letters from hospital. It is stressful but take your time, don't rush, they do backdate it. Google helped me. Here's hoping you get it sorted.Lesley xx

[katieoxo60]

Hi there, It is difficult to get help filling in forms for benefits every where is different but here are some suggestions. Local churches, community centers, libraries, law centers, even some solicitors have special sessions for benefits. DIAL can often advice in respect of disability claims . Most local Councils Also have benefits claims officers who can assess if you are receiving correct benefits. In my opinion if you can get an appointment for next month I would opt for that but in the mean time advise the PIP department of any delay. As you are over 60 the DWP see you as a pensioner for some benefits. Every thing is so complex including where to go for help. Hope all goes well for you.

[Kate124]

I just filled them in myself. Just be open and honest, make sure they know your restrictions to daily living. Get copies of letters from consultants and gp if needed.

[Ern007]

As an aside from CA - There is Age UK, they help.

Also there is Welfare Rights - I don't know where you live but I think this number could put you right. 0800 345 7375.

In my experience Age UK help IMO was the best they seem to care.