Hi Gordon.
I think you were requesting details of experiences, so this may be helpful as to how things actually work.
Re : PIP : Recently sent in a MR through an advocacy organisation and backed by the local MP. MP requested a 2 week turnaround, text from DWP highlighted it will take 6 weeks. At 9 weeks MP and Welfare Rights contacted DWP, as nothing received, they hadn’t even looked at it at that point, said it will take another 2 weeks but they will do a full reconsideration and review it all carefully, taking particular account of the assessment report, which includes the face to face assessment . Welfare Rights advised its a good thing as although this is what they are supposed to do they usually just rubber stamp the original decision without actually reviewing it properly. They advised this is because both Welfare Rights and MP are involved chasing them.
The expected timescale of a tribunal hearing is between 9 and 12 months after the MR has been received.
I was advised that the DWP will often try and negotiate an agreed amount of benefit, ie. make an offer less than what is expected but higher than first awarded.
However if the offer is rejected the initial decision stands and a tribunal would be needed, although the revised amount is usually in lieu of going to tribunal, so it can then be difficult to take to a tribunal although apparently there is a way it can still be done.
Thanks
Robin
