"Invited" to Apply for PIP

madcatwoman wrote: Thanks very much.

And lastly, I have been very fortunate in that I have not needed an ESA face to face before. The last 2 times I got into the SG based on the form and any accompanying medical evidence.

I just wondered what are the chances of a PIP paper assessment? I have read that Capita is trying to reduce waiting times by using these.

Hi mcw,,

Up to now, we have only heard from a pretty small percentage of members who have received a paper based assessment without the need for a face to face.

As with ESA, the more information/evidence that you can include with The PIP 2 Form, and the easier that you make it for The PIP Assessor and DWP PIP DM to see how and why you score the correct number of points for the appropriate PIP award, the more chance of a positive decision without the need of a face to face.

You will find advice given to PIP Assessors on examples of claimants where a paper based assessment may be appropriate in the latest version of : The PIP Assessment Guide which was updated on 28th July 2015.

Of course, the above is only "Guidance" and not Legislation.

bro58

Hi All

Well I plucked up enough courage today to phone the PIP number, I had until the 11th and to be honest left it as late as I dared. I couldn't face speaking to anyone although I have been very busy behind the scenes reading the guides, reading other members experiences and making copious notes so hopefully I am prepared as I can be for when the form plops onto the mat. .

I was shaking and very tearful before the phone call. As many members can testify talking to the DWP feels like talking to the gestapo. I am not great on the phone anyway, I have social anxiety amongst other things. I got very flustered and unfortunately the lady I spoke to was Indian and I had a great deal of difficulty in understanding a lot of what she was saying.

One things she did say which concerned me and has bothered me all day is can they use my previous DLA form. Now I told her it was out of date as I have been on a lifetime DLA award for 8 years and obviously I know the criteria for PIP is not the same as for DLA. I didn't say they couldn't use it but I explained my condition had deteriorated since then and I wasn't sure if much of it would be relevant.

I am puzzled, why would they ask this? I thought old records were destroyed anyway and as I said the criteria is different. I know the mods always advise treating each claim as a new one and not assuming that Capita/Atos or the DWP either consult or reference old claim forms.

She also asked if anyone would be helping me to fill out the forms. I did say I might contact my local Law Centre, this question I wasn't expecting. I probably won't as I am happy with the excellent guides on this site but again why was this question asked? Is this in case I need to request an extension?

I was asked about if I had severe mental health issues like schizophrenia, or Downs syndrome or autism, I did wonder if major depression and anxiety might also be taken into account but this wasn't mentioned. Again is this in case certain people request an extension?

I am glad it's over but it has taken it's toll on me today.

Hi

My PIP form arrived this morning. It has taken a week to arrive and needs to be back by the 9 March. Which only gives me 3 weeks and 1 day. I am starting to think the delay is deliberate? I just wondered how readily they allow an extension because I think I am going to struggle to get it completed and returned in those 3 weeks. Do they usually allow an extension?

I use a nice blue pen which helps me to write with less hand fatigue. It just says on the form to complete in ink without specifying which colour. Is blue ink ok?

I am in the SG for ESA I got in on mobilising grounds, I am concerned about whether there is any merit in mentioning this as I am concerned about it potentially flagging up an issue with my ESA award if for some reason I don't score any or enough points in that descriptor. I didn't know if there was any point in mentioning it as will it have any bearing on PIP?
Thanks.

Thank you.
Are the dwp sympathetic towards requests for extensions. I am really annoyed and concerned that I now only have less than 3 weeks to fill in the form and get it back to them.

The wretched thing took a week to arrive, a week of useful time. I suffer with fatigue, pain and poor concentration so I can only do a bit at a time. I am hoping to dedicate some time each day but I am already panicking about not getting it completed in time. Thanks.