PIP system wont accept initial claim

I tried to claim PIP in August after receiving the DWP letter about transferring from DLA. The system would not let me start a claim as it did not recognise my National Insurance Number beginning JY. Was told I would be contacted within 48 hours to begin the claim. No contact, so tried again later in August, no joy for same reason. Told I would hear from the 'exceptions team” within 48 hours...no contact.

Get a letter on 22 September suspending my DLA because I ”have not made a claim for PIP”!!! Again tried to claim, no joy same reason. Enquiry line now says will arrange for me to receive a paper form with an ID number, so bypassing the NI No; and will let DLA know about the situation, but won't put anything in writing.

I feel aggrieved and distressed, and very apprehensive this is leading in the direction of my DLA being stopped altogether (the suspension starts from 27/9/2017). I think I should write a formal letter of complaint, but to whom as I feel batted between DLA and PIP departments?

Was told there is a known issue of PIP system refusing to recognise Jersey/Guernsey NI Nos (I got mine by working there for three months in 1967!), despite mine always being accepted and used for ESA, DLA, Pension etc.

Has anyone else experienced this bizarre PIP anomaly, or advice on how I could proceed and protect myself?

Thanks Gordon.

I sent off a letter addressed to the Benefits Centre which issued the suspension - next day delivery - early this morning. There is only a post office box number so it remains to be seen whether it will be received and acknowledged.

However, I got a call from DWP later in the morning and had the initial claim taken
by a very pleasant lady who knew nothing about the NI issue!! She also lifted the suspension after checking the system had accepted the claim, much to my relief. Bizarre indeed... I will return for further advice if needed