DWP woes... again

[Butcherpete]

This Covid thing has certainly had an affect on the DWP procedures. I have had good relations with my local Jobcentre this past 3/4 years since we moved down here. But I was recommended to reapply for the work group thing. I got the forms, we filled them in, supplied the latest evidence ( not that there was much of that), and that was in Feb, its "pending", well they have said its in their "in box". Its now July 2022, and it will take at least until Sept, to hear anything, let alone a face to face assessment

[edfosho]

I have completed a PIP application via DWP, took over 6 months, I was advised to contact my MP (and once I did that it was all done within 2 weeks). Try contacting your MP's office to chase any DWP applications/processes - they usually have a member of staff working on DWP cases.

[Tallguy101 in reply to edfosho]

I must be lucky I recently filled out a new claim hoping to get higher rate mobility as my symptoms had gotten much worse since my original claim in 2017. Sent it off and within a few weeks I had a letter back saying that I had got the new higher rate.

[Guardsman68]

Hi Butcherpete

The work thing you say would the be to do with universal credit and work capability assessment?

If so once you have completed the UC50 form that then goes to the medical assessment team who then looks at all your evidence and will determine whether you are required to have an assessment if so these are mostly over the phone. This can take up to 20 weeks if you are found unfit for work you will be put in the Lcwra support group but the DWP are taking up to 8/10 weeks to put into payment. This the same for ESA. PIP is just up to 26 weeks to complete which is crazy.

You could always contact the centre for health assessment for disabilities centre on

0800 2888777

Hope this helps

[Butcherpete in reply to Guardsman68]

yes, it was the work capability. Las time I had an assessment, I was not at all happy with the woman who did it (long story) I ended up taking it to court, where I won... or so I thought, I was put in the wrong group. And although the people who deal with me at my local job centre understood this, they hardly bothered me for 3 years, just paid the odd visit now and again. It was suggested a couple of times I should do it again, but I was not committed, as it was such a "PITA" last time. Anyway, I have done it now, its just taking months, and will prob be either dead or in a wheelchair, lol, by the time they get round to me. Patience is not one of my strongest virtues. I will get in touch next week, and then get our MP involved, as she has done before, on the same kind of thing, and got a reply from them (not related to this latest thing)

[Guardsman68 in reply to Butcherpete]

Yes it so frustrating when applying for any type of benefits as when filling the forms out your having to try and explain how your health condition effects your day to day life and when the so called qualified assessment team makes incorrect decisions in relation to your health it really does make you angry to put it mildly.

You probably already know this but when filling forms out always put down how you are on your worst day don’t say what you can do just what you can’t the descriptors can be slightly confusing as they seem to ask some questions in different ways. Try and gather as much evidence as possible as this will definitely help.

Hopefully your assessment comes through soon and you are put in the support group as then your payment will increase.

Try the number and they will tell you where you are in the system

[SueMillman Partner Ataxia UK]

Please do contact the Ataxia UK Helpline if you need support at any point during this process. Call 0800 995 6037 Monday - Thursday 10.30 - 2.30 pm or by emailing [e-mail].