PIP

[Glyn612]

Hi, does anybody have an recent experience with PIP? I've just filled out the form (took me forever) and I've sent it off. I'm expecting a rejection; but I hear that that's common and that you can appeal. Has anybody had experience of an interview? I know it's very hard to get PIP do I wonder if I'm wasting my time. thanks x

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Glynis. It's 3 years since I submitted my form, in fact I'm expecting my renewal forms some time next month. Anyway if you enter PIP in the 'Search NRAS' box then select 'Newest' from the 'Sort by' drop down box. It will bring up unrelated posts too so you'll have to skip those but there are ones relating to PIP in date order.

I believe it's not so bad now, most are going through to assessment & receiving something but if you're not happy with your result you'd request mandatory reconsideration first & dependant on that result you'd go through to appeal, if you wish to. But let's not think that way, if you've been honest completing the application form, by that I mean told it as it is for you & not downplayed the help you need daily I don't think you need to worry.

You copied the form didn't you & sent your envelope signed for or similar?

This what I posted after my assessment healthunlocked.com/nras/pos...

[Glyn612 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi Paula, thanks for your reply. I didn't send it signed for, but I did photocopy so I'll chase it up next week if I haven't heard anything. My sister helped me to fill out the form as she used to work in social services and helped lots of other people, so hopefully I've set things out as thoroughly as possible... yes, it's very English isn't it to play everything down. I had a steroid injection a couple of weeks ago so not feeling as bad as I was. If I had my consultation now I don't think I'd get anything as the steroid has helped the OA in my knees and elbows (which were agony up until the injection). Anyway, I'll wait and see. The steroid will have worn off I'm sure by the time I hear anything. x

[nomoreheels in reply to Glyn612]

That's good you copied it, you can go through it then before your assessment, just as a refresher. It might be a good few weeks before your assessment date comes through so that gives you time for your steroid to wear off. It's crazy isn't it, we want the very thing that makes us feel half human to have worn off in time to help us qualify for what we need to make things easier for us?! Anyway, when the date comes through you can ask for experiences so you have an idea what you can expect. x

[Glyn612 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi Paula, yes it's a mad bad world alright. If I could get a steroid injection every month I wouldn't bother going for PIP! I think we all have the worry that we'll come across as shirkers trying to 'fiddle' the state out of benefits... especially those of us who've worked all our lives and have never claimed state assistance. I think I'll find it humiliating to have to go through a series of physical tests to prove my disability. Anyway, I'll worry about it closer to the time. Thanks for your time and advice once again and stay well. x

[Glyn612 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi Paula, not sure if you'll get this as it's linked to my last post. I've received my consultation for PIP for next Tuesday, but the steroid injection is still working and I think that if I go for an assessment they'll see that I'm not that bad at the moment and I won't stand a chance of getting PIP. Do you think I should postpone til the new year or should I come clean and tell them about the steroid injection? I'm really not certain what to do. Thanks

[nomoreheels in reply to Glyn612]

It's a funny one & I understand why you're thinking of postponing it but what reason would you give? That in itself poses another question, would you say it's because you've had a steroid injection? Sorry to answer with a question. 😔

[nomoreheels in reply to nomoreheels]

I've just found this on the CAB site Glynis

Warning: you must go to your assessment

You must go to your assessment otherwise your PIP claim will be rejected and you’ll have to start the application process all over again.

Contact the assessment centre straight away if you can’t make your appointment or if you’ve already missed it. If you’ve a good reason for not going they may reschedule it. The number to contact is on your appointment letter.

There are no rules on what is a good reason for missing an assessment but the DWP should take into account your health and things that may affect you like a family bereavement.

If your PIP claim is rejected because you missed your assessment, you can ask the DWP to change this decision. You must have been given at least 7 days’ written notice of the assessment date (unless you agreed to a shorter notice period).

I've also read that that you have to give 7 days notice too but I'm not sure how reliable that info is because it was on another forum. If that is the case though I'd be calling them today, just in case it is.

[Glyn612 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks Paula. That settles it then, I'll go but I won't be able to fake anything so my chances of getting PIP are ziltch. Anyway, it least it solves my dilemma.

[nomoreheels in reply to Glyn612]

Sorry for not responding before now Glynis, not been getting alerts, they've only started again just now so playing catch up. All is crossed for a positive assessment now you've decided. I think if it were me I'd let the assessor know the steroid injection is still working so it's making things easier for you, that it's not a permanent solution so as she/he sees you today isn't representative but what you declared in the form is. May help?

I meant to ask you, username change?

[Glyn612 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi thanks, yes that's what I've pretty much decided to do... can't think of any other way to do it to be honest. Thanks again for your advice - sound as usual. Yes, user name change which I've been meaning to get around to for ages. I'll let you know how things go. x

[nomoreheels in reply to Glyn612]

I don't either, you can only be how you are but if they've anything about them they'll understand how steroids work & see why you're like are. After all it's not how you are at the time, you'll be telling them how your condition/s affect you longer term won't you not the month or so relief you have from the steroids injection. If you filled in the diary template that will support this. Hope it goes well & yes please do let me know.

I'm expecting my reassessment invitation any time in the next few weeks, in fact I had a brown DWP envelope in the post on Monday & my heart skipped a beat. I did just the same as when I got my award letter, made a coffee, sat down & then opened it... it turned out to be info on when I can get my state pension, only 9 years early, not til 2026! x

[Glyn612]

Thanks Ajay, I wish I'd known about the self text before I sent the forms. Anyway, I'll still give it a go when I've got some time. x

[LizzieR]

Hi,

Remember to tell them about your worst days- and how often you have them. Also remember that being able to do something but it causing you immense pain/ causing problems later, isn't the same as being able to do something! I was really lucky and got someone who was v knowledgeable about PSA. I got enhanced for both parts- was totally shocked because I didn't think I would. Be honest but don't downplay. We get so used to coping that we forget that other people finds things easier and

don't have the trouble we do.

Good luck x

[Glyn612 in reply to LizzieR]

Thanks very much for your reply. Yes, I'm afraid we get so used to being in pain that it just becomes part of our lives.... and so being typically English also we downplay it. Thanks again x

[Hidden in reply to Glyn612]

The young woman who was assessing me actually reminded me not to downplay things ! She was sweet, I hope you get a kind assessor too.

[Dancingqueen]

I have been through the application. Can't say it was easy, very stressful but I was successful .It makes such a difference to everyday life so it is worth it.Just stick to it. Get support from your GP ,Consultant etc.Good luck

[BoneyC]

benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/...

[anniemcc32]

hi get a letter off your doctor to give at your assessment ,my partner was knocked back at first then got a medical letter and was approved xx

[Bully915]

Hi I was on dla mobility and after long time debating if I should or not put the forms in and after a month or so got letter to go for assessment but contacted them to get home visit after home visit was awarded enhansed care and mobility indefinately and it starts today

Hope this helps

Billy