PIP FORM

Hi, I've started a new topic as i am now having to go through the DLA to PIP changeover after being "invited" to claim PIP. I am in the process of still waiting for Mandatory Reconsideration result for ESA. It does seem odd how many people seem to coincidentally have both PIP and ESA sagas running at the same time. Does being found fit for work spark a DLA to PIP application? It seems to be happening too much to be a coincidence.

My main question is regarding the filling in of the PIP form itself. I am creating all my answers in an individual document for each one. Some of them are very long and detailed answers. I have looked at trying to condense them more but all the information is very relevant to that answer. So when it comes to having the answers all ready to fill in the form, do i answer the tick boxes then fill in as much as possible in the extra information box for that answer then add a note "continued on extra paper Eg.Q3 page 2 or shall i tick the boxes then just write in the extra information box for that question "please see extra information page 2 Question 3 for example?. I don't want to do it wrong and end up having bits of information for each answer all over the place making it confusing for them and less likely to read properly. I would like to just be able to add the answers on separate sheets with the form with clear instructions in the extra information boxes as to where to find the relevant sheet with answers.

I hope I've not caused confusion, I'm just very anxious to get it right. I have an extension until 29th April to get it in to them and my GP surgery is preparing an in depth medical report to send with form and I've asked for copies of all relevant medical notes to my conditions and disability from 2010. They have made it clear there is a charge but i don't mind if its going to help my application. I recently had an ESA report from my doctor which was detailed which they charged me £25 for. I expect to pay around £50 for required medical notes and around £25 for the report. I was unable to use my ESA report for PIP as its very different so requested a new one. I must say I've been very lucky with my GP surgery and GP, they've been incredibly helpful.

Theres so much stress and worry that goes with these processes am i am positive its all in the attempt to reduce the amount of people that fight unfair decisions to reduce that all important welfare bill. There have been times I've nearly given up the whole thing, taken to my bed and stayed there but if each and every one of us fights then we stand strong together and make clear their "new Procedures, legislation and policies" are causing injustice to the deserving and we will not back down. I was oblivious of the new ways of the DWP until i got a phone call finding me fit for work. I then found your website (in the middle of a complete mental breakdown) whilst searching desperately for answers as to how they can have possibly come to this decision. Before all of this i had never had any mental health issues and unfortunately this has led to me now being diagnosed with depression and put on medication. The DWP have no idea the terrible impact that some of their decisions and practices have on people. Without this website and your amazing help i would not have the strength to fight.

Rant over
Many thanks in advance.

Hi Dt,

I'm sorry that you are having to deal with ESA and PIP at the same time There are certainly a lot of people reporting having to do this but I haven't seen anything that makes me think that the decision on one benefit has led to the reassessment of the other.

To answer the PIP questions completely on separate sheets, as you explained, will be fine. As long as it is easy for the sheets to be scanned and then the answers are easy for the assessor to find, that is what matters.

By the way, thanks for starting a separate topic for your PIP claim. It really does help prevent confusion when members do this

I sympathise with you having to do ESA form and PIP at same time. I had same recently. It is exhausting and emotionally draining for sure.

It is so draining. I find i am literally thinking about ESA or PIP 24/7. We can only hope that eventually some great judges abolish the DWP's ludicrous practices as a breach of human rights. In my opinion that is exactly what it is. Along with discrimination of disabled people, causing serious harm and death in some cases and inducing mental health needs as it has for me also adding extra needs of the claimant to their welfare bill. This website is what keeps me going.

The tribunals must cost them a fortune. I think they rely on a lot of people not fighting which i am sure there are many cases of. Ive seen several on the forum where people have written how they simply can not find the strength to go through the incredibly daunting process of appealing. When i signed on last i gave someone also in my situation this website details to help them. My job coach saw this person just before me and she openly thanked me for giving the details of the site and giving some advice. Knowledge is power in this situation.

Im slightly concerned that i have been given an extension on getting the PIP form in but am still being harassed with texts and letters stating the old date. I have double confirmed by ringing again and checking that the extension has been applied and is noted on the system.
1 - Is this normal?

I live in a very rural location and my daughter has just turned 18 and not driving yet. Its only the 2 of us out here and i have an automatic motability car. I have severe mobility issues with spina bifida, weakness in legs, disk problems, severe pain and lumbar arthritis but at times have no choice to drive due to where we live. Having to sign on when lost ESA meant i have to use the car. I couldn't use a bus as they are few and far between out here, i can't stand long enough to wait for one or walk to the bus stop and anywhere is too far for taxi as it would cost a fortune. My daughter takes her test at the end of this month and presuming she passes i will no longer need to drive at all. She has a little car ready for her. If i keep the mobility element at high when going over to PIP i had thought about getting a motability car she is able to drive with a small engine. By the time i have an assessment i may no longer have to or be driving at all. Im unsure what is the correct way to approach this as driving can instantly cause assumptions for assessors and decision makers. Driving to my ESA F2F i think caused assumptions and contributed to me losing ESA.
2 - Should i write somewhere on the form all this and if so in what question/section?
3 - If i don't write about driving will it look bad on me?