PIP Worries

[Elogue]

Hi, can anyone advise me? I have a holiday booked, with my elderly and frail sister, first time for years, will be away 4 weeks , first time away for years, 10th July to 7th August. We have spent so much on the arrangements, both needing lots of support etc. Last week i got the letter saying dla ending, apply for pip. Do i respond speedily and hope to get assessment before i go, or leave responses till last minute hoping appt comes after i return? And can i include a letter with form excluding thode 4 weeks? I don't trust them not tto send me an appt i can't make. We will be abroad some of the time. Am worried sick!

[bevlin]

I would apply before you go away but put a covering letter with it/ on the form stating you will be away a on those dates. You are entitled to go on holiday the same as anyone else!

[Nsmith13]

It takes months to get any relply back , they keep you waiting , the best thing what I did is book app with CAB they are really supportive I found it far to stressful and she filled all the forms in for me .

[Elogue in reply to Nsmith13]

Thanks Nsmith, i am collecting help numbers and i think from next week i will be able to give it full attention. Am so grateful for people's suggestions! Elogue.

[Whowillgiveastuff in reply to Nsmith13]

Totally Agree Regarding CAB, you will save yourself all the stress of the appeals process!

[Elogue]

Thanks Ajay, and for the tip about mobility. I do get higher dla and i don't have mobility car but drive an old banger and use the income instead, plus parking badge, free car tax. When you say there's a good chance i will get assessment before i go, does that mean claims are getting processed faster? It certainly would be great to get it all done. It's a great relief to have others caring about my problems. I get so stuck in my head about it all. Elogue.

[Elogue]

Yes my original plan was leave replies to the end of the times allowed, so my form would be in latish June, about 6 weeks before return from holiday, probably they won't come up with an assessment date before then. Another idea I've had is to send a copy of my letter about hols to my m.p. And maybe to Sec of State for work and pensions,, make them less likely to muck me about. Elogue

[Nsmith13]

Your welcome ,good luck and enjoy your holiday, im sure you will get more posts and help from people who have been in your situation

[Hopeful1]

If not already implicit, not only send recorded delivery, but make sure you keep copies of all letters/forms. Good Luck and enjoy your holiday.

[Farmgal1958]

In the US, I call my Dr (Rhumy) and get an appt in a week or two. Then again, most of our holidays are only a week or two. Good luck!

[Elogue in reply to Farmgal1958]

My holiday will be 4 weeks! Today i called the govt pip helpline (had to pretend it was for someone else because they wanted to send the form out to me there and then!) Anyway, it's fine to have a 4 week holiday - when i do phone to ask for the form, i have to give them the dates and they put a note on the system, plus i write it on the form AND do a letter on a separate sheet. I think letter to MP or something like that to be on the safe side!

So now we know. Hols are ON!