pip

hi, sent pip form back this week, on dla indefernat asked if they could open my file from first claim I said yes. Got a letter today from pip and there
saying no medical evidence there .Now it was 15 years ago saw independent doctor , just realised that my surname has changed, is worth ringing and telling them this or because it was so long ago they haven't kept any thing ? thanks

Hi rwyn,

Well, your NI number would be the same even if your surname has changed, so one would expect DWP to be able to work it out. However, they are not best known for putting 2 + 2 together!

A bigger problem is that DWP destroy claimant's old files after a certain time - however, that seems to differ from one person to another! Certainly, after 15 years I would be very surprised if anything of your first claim still exists. For this reason, among others, we always advise claimants to supply all their evidence with every reassessment. If you did not do this then I suggest you send it in when you request a Mandatory Reconsideration.