question re PIP

Hello everyone, thank you all for a wonderful site, I have been reading and downloading like crazy since I joined, and most likely will make full use of all the resources here in due course. I am sorry for the long post.

I have a complex neurological and possibly progressive condition. It is affecting hearing, sight, balance and motor skills, I walk with a crutch but find things getting difficult in my daily life and also in work. It has not been fully diagnosed yet, but I have consultants confirmation things will not improve. I am therefore 'lining up my ducks' for an uncertain future. I have also had a Low Vision Assessment which resulted in my housing association fitting a double handrail on the stairs and a grab rail in the shower.

I have not yet started my PIP claim (accumulating diagnostic evidence and not sure my condition is 'bad' enough yet for a successful award). I still work full time for a very large company and am currently in negotiations with corporate HR to find alternative role and possibly further Access to Work help (I already have large computer monitor, hearing aid compatible equipment and appointed extra breaks)

A PIP award would allow me financially to reduce hours from full time to part time, and I have already discussed possible medical retirement in the future with my Union rep.

My question is this - if PIP claim is successfully in place and and I do need at some point to fully leave work

a. If I got a decent medical retirement pension award, would I still be able to make a claim for ESA (just for the NI stamp until I get my state pension at 68)?

b. Would I need to inform PIP that I was no longer in work, and would this trigger a reassessment?

I realise Im probably thinking too far ahead, however I would like to plan ahead as much as possible.

Thank you

Thanks Gordon - I did actually reply to this query, I think it must have got lost in cyberspace!

I've had another thought. Do I acttually NEED to inform PIP at all that I work? I do intend to cut down hours possibly to 3 part days if I can get PIP.

I have had Access to Work grant before an not sure if they will cross reference, or if working will imply I dont need help.

Does anyone have experience of the DWP home visit form filling service? I'm expecting an appointment from them to help fill in my PIP form. This was arranged by RNIB Advice & Information Service.

How can I retain a copy of my forms? Surely the form-filler will take the completed form when they leave?

Anyone know how it works?