Just got my first letter about PIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi,

I have been on Higher Rate Mobility(DLA) indefinitely since mid 1990's. I got a brown envelope letter last week saying my DLA would be ending and if I wanted to claim PIP I needed to call a number by 25 October 2016!!!!! I will be 59 in January. I am scared to even make the phone call

I haven't slept since the envelope came. I have read that the mobility part of PIP now asks are you able to walk 20yards/metres instead of the previous DLA question based on 50yards/metres. Just based on that question I feel I have no chance and will lose my Motability Car and will have to resign from my job in Manchester as I use the Motability car as part of my commute!!!!!

I have arthritis in most joints(had two hips replaced) but still difficult and painful along with knee and foot and back problems. I have genetic ischemic heart disease, clinical depression and cirrhosis of the liver also. My wife helps me dress in evenings/mornings as I cannot bend to put on socks, underwear, trousers.

I am too nervous, stressed and anxious to make the call even and if I don't call by Wednesday 19/10/2016(as we going on holiday abroad on the 20th), the deadline of 25/10/2016 will have gone while we in Malta on holiday>

Can anyone give me any advice/courage/guidance to make the call and what to expect etc, as I will be shaking so much and don't think I will even be able to speak!!! My wife is from the Philippines so she cannot make the call as her English is quite basic still.

Also my cirrhosis was misdiagnosed two years ago and GP deleted my consultation notes then retired to Pakistan so my long months of complaint came to nothing. And left me not trusting GP's anymore. I am between GP's again now and just registering with a new surgery today. So feel I will not get any support as not had a trustworthy GP for many years.

Anyway, please please can anyone consider explaining to me calmly and clearly what will happen if I manage to find the strength and courage to pick up the phone and call the PIP cliaim number in the next few days and what I need to know and say if I do phone!!!!

I am so frightened and ill and scared of losing my job because of this.

Thank You For Listening

Cuchillo

I am just ahead of you in the process by about two months. My suggestions to you are:

1. Make the telephone call in the morning on the 18/10/2016. It is a straight forward process providing you have the required information in front of you when you do it. There is a list in the letter you have just received to follow. Note that the date you make the telephone call is the start date of the four week period for completion of the PiP2.
You can ask for an extension as you are away on holiday over this period.

2. Start formulating your answers for the PiP2 form straight away as it took me a whole week to get the information together and compile it in a sensible way. I did not write on the form as my writing is unreadable but rather typed up a sheet for each question which applied to me. Use the B&W PiP guide like a bible.

3. Contact some advice organisation now to get an appointment for after your holiday to help complete the form. I used AgeUK. There is an upside to this as in my area they are a DWP receiving centre so even if its the last day you have met the deadline.

4. Despite a lack of GP's notes you may have seen some consultant's and could apply for a copy of any hospital records directly to any hospital you have attended as an out or in patient.

5. Try and be calm and deliberate about the process and make the best informative claim you possibly can.

Good luck,
Stewart.

Gordon,

My return date was precisely four weeks from the date of the call.
I have heard others say the same.

Regards,

Stewart.

I got my pip form on Monday 10th October I haven't had the courage to open it yet as I'm stressed out about other things I'll see how I am in the morning