Pip

[Charlie-36]

Hi it's been 5 weeks since the pip received my my application I still haven't had a day for a assessment I'm in the South East does anyone know if this is the normal sort of time I've tried calling but but can't get through as it's must be so busy at the moment with everything that's going on..

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hi Charlie, you maybe in for a long wait. I just read f2f assessments have been suspended because of the virus. Which I'm sure will mean larger back logs. But it's a measure to help stop the spread of the virus.

[Davesgal0509]

I'm in the same boat it's been 5 weeks for me also I rang last week and they said there is a back log they need to get through and had no timescale. But with everything that's going on I'm sure it's going to take even longer. Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

I've not even applied yet as I've only just found out the aches pains and fatigue I've had for years is actually fibromyalgia

Not sure if I qualify so haven't applied and now this whole coronavirus thing and backlog I'm just going to wait

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to Hidden]

Hi there, having fibro or any illness is no automatic qualification for applying for pip. It's how your illnesses effect your living on a daily basis. So please bare this in mind if you decide to apply May I ask do you still work with your Fibro? I only ask because even people who work may still be eligible to apply. So please don't be put off if you feel you need the help

Momo

[Hidden in reply to Dizzytwo]

I can't work, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and depression, people have been telling me to apply for pip for years because my generalised anxiety disorder is so bad I hide in my flat, scared to go outside, I have bad social anxiety and pain, and fatigue but I've thought I don't qualify for pip , even though people tell me I do, then after all this time I'm talking a decade I've not been able to sit up or stand up for longer than few minutes, weak back muscles, but I walk fine so no one knew what's up, doctors says it's anxiety from tensing up, I always have had to lay down with cushions on settee because of my back, I can't hoover etc I sweep up by bum shuffling along, I can't do more than ten minutes of housework and I'm knackered and hurts my shoulder and back

Then someone said you sound like you got fibromyalgia and I couldn't even pronounce it but my doctor said it's that after blood tests ruling other stuff out and my history of pain etc, now my neighbour says I need to get pip for sure but I still don't know if I'll get it

I struggle, when my son leaves college and they take my benefits away I don't know what I will do

[SusieSquirrel in reply to Hidden]

Poor you. You definitely should apply for pip. I know 2 people who don't even sound as bad as u that suffer from anxiety and depression.

I have just applied last month for fibro, anxiety, depression and OA as can't do much and in pain 24/7. Hub says he worries that I'm agrophobia which I know I am gradually getting to that stage. I get so worked up about going out even to docs.

God knows when pip will be doing interviews with all this s/!the going down.

Look after yourself

[hen-house]

Hi my daughter waited 14 weeks and i have actually been waiting since october 31st and i still havent had a F2F! im south east london too xx

[Charlie-36 in reply to hen-house]

That is absolutely ages hopefully they will do some sort of assessment as a conference call through the internet!

[hen-house in reply to Charlie-36]

hopefully, after being present in my daughters f2f that she shouldn't have even had, and seen the report after i really do hope so!

[hen-house]

Hi i have just called ATOS to find out whats happening with the F2F appointments and there is a recorded message on there saying that all F2F appointments have been stopped until further notice due to the current virus situation, they are looking into either paper based and telephone assessments but so far they have not made any decisions on how they will do it and we will all be contacted once its been confirmed how they are going to do them - i have looked and its been 18 weeks since i applied and as yet no F2F so hopefully they get themselves in gear and do some over the phone, or we will just be left waiting and judging by what the news are saying with virus timescales they cant wait until it calms down to do F2F!

[Charlie-36 in reply to hen-house]

Thanks so much for this 😊

[Feebs58]

Hi I had my F2F on 29th jan ... they received my report on feb 3rd , and I was told 6. Weeks for decision . Today on the phone I was told up to 14 wks for a decision ... I am presently employed part-time ... been on the sick from November ... I’m looking to retire thru ill-health, which I cannot do without knowing if I’m entitled to benefits ... it’s a double edged sword . I have a meeting with my work on the 1st of April, where I must give a decision... I’m starting to think I will be living on food parcels from my family ... this whole thing is a nightmare!

[hen-house in reply to Feebs58]

Hi my daughter was told she would get her decision 24th March but it was done on the 4th, pester them, thats what i done! xx her f2f was 24th January good luck xx

[Feebs58 in reply to hen-house]

TY for your reply, Can I ask how often you telephoned ?

[hen-house in reply to Feebs58]

every few days, i complained as to how long it was taking but i do think it helps to be a pain in the bottom! good luck xx

[Feebs58 in reply to Feebs58]

Thank you , I’m self isolating so that’s the plan .... can I ask who you complained to x

[Lewan1980]

They have stopped all face to face interviews because of Coronavirus

[Hidden]

Hi all assessments have been cancelled for 3 months due to the current virus situation. I would telephone and ask them what is happening to new claims are the DWP doing telephone assessments xx

[Bigears16]

My pip form posted beginning of December and I got a text last Friday to say f2f was for the 3rd now that’s been cancelled due to the dreaded covid xx