when to start process of PIP appeal

I thought I'd posted this last night, but no sign.

I posted my PIP MR almost 7 weeks ago and have heard nothing, but perhaps the pandemic has contributed to that. Assuming I have to go to appeal, how soon can I start that process? Or, do I have to wait for DWP to inform me that this is an option? I have already sent a lot of information, and have more I can produce for an appeal.

I've had to apply for UC because of my PIP being stopped and don't expect to hear anything about that for a while either, although I did have a message from one DWP lady local to me, saying she thought it should be quite straightforward once I had submitted my UC50 and had a telephone interview if that's deemed necessary. Should I send some of that now though, since I haven't yet had a decision on my MR? I don't mind going to appeal.

I understand why DWP thought they were right to stop my PIP after I informed them that I was no longer depressed, but it was the wrong thing to do. Although my depressive illnesses have shaped much of my adult life, it is ADHD which defines me and causes me the most difficulty, because I have so many of it's symptoms.

Incidentally, I am mildly depressed again, but only as a direct result of losing my PIP, not that I have any plans to tell them that, or should I? I almost set my cooker alight a few days back, forgot to switch the grill off when I left the kitchen, and the next day scalded two fingers, not paying proper attention to carefully lift the lid off a pot of boiling water. My concentration which is never good is worse now, because of my situation. I have done things like that in the past when I was very depressed, but nothing in several years.

I dislike having to write about these things, am not looking for sympathy or wanting other people to know how badly it's affecting me, but maybe it's not a bad idea to mention here. So disappointed and frustrated, because until my PIP was taken away I was coping well with the pandemic, and almost feeling optimistic about my future, despite my limitations.

Many thanks in anticipation, all the best for 2021, everyone x

Hi Gary,

Thanks for that. I managed to do the MR myself, after studying all the information here. It took me 5.5 weeks, but I think it was ok. Welfare Rights weren't interested in helping me at the MR stage and I doubt that there's anything else they could help me with, that I dont already know because of this website.

I did have a 'phone interview last June, in connection with me letting DWP know I wasn't depressed. I applied for UC because I lost my PIP, and it may take a long time to start getting that. I am set up though, and have a journal, which is recording that I haven't been paid because my work pension cancels that the basic rate. However, I do qualify for the extra payment based on having a chronic illness. Just have to wait for the UC process to determine when I start getting that.

So, all I need here is advice/opinions about whether or not I ought to get back in touch with the PIP folk now, or wait. Will they advise when I should/can start the appeal process, or can I do that myself, now?

Thanks Gary,

Yes, I have a copy of HP's report. I will give them a 'phone.

Why do you think I've been placed in a specific group? I didn't think I would be until I have had my assessment.