PIP form different to guides?

I got a life award of DLA (HRM LRC) in the mid 1990s. I live in an area covered by ATOS. I had a letter telling me my DLA (so they lied when they said I had a life award) was finishing, and I had to apply PIP by the end of November (which I did). Shortly afterwards I got my application for which I had to return by Christmas (they did say the end of Dec but due to the bank holidays it effectively needed to be returned by the 24 Dec). Because of the Christmas post I had to get it off early so did not have long to fill it out.

The form I got (PIP.1003) was not the same as the specimen forms on BAW or from the DWP. All the tick boxes have been replaced with yes, no or sometimes. Only the distance one is able to walk are different. They are: Less than 20 metres, Between 20 and 50 metres, Between 50 and 200 metres, 200 metres or more and It varies. There are also boxes to add additional information, although they are not big enough to write any useful amount of information in my hand, so had to use extra space at end of form. The same information has to be repeated over and over again which does not help.

I filled out he form best I could and ATOS (although they are now calling themselves Independent Assessment Services with Delivered by Atos in very very small print below). I have now received an appointment for a home within a week. I did not ask for a home visit but they know my partner and I are in our 60s and 70s.

What sort of things should I be worried or concerned about?

Thank you for your answer. I am just a bit apprehensive about the assessment. I've not had one for years, and never for DLA; that was all done via my doctor. I had assessments when I was moved from IVB to ICB, but they were done buy doctors, and when I was moved to ESA Support, it was done off the back of my forms. Not sure why I got a home assessment (although to be honest I was not looking forward to going to a centre), there are 2 centres in the city where I live. A doctor did come to our home to assess my wife for her DLA appeal tribunal, would it be similar to that?

Hi Bruce
you mention that you and your partner are in your 60's and 70's so this may be your only assessment before retirement age. Please be aware that the mobility award you have when reaching retirement age cannot be increased in the future

Thanks Gordon, that is sort of reassuring. Also easier to record I guess . I did mention I had adaptions done around my house, perhaps they are checking that as well. They will see I have a dog too, but then he is a miniature that seldom goes out (I'll have to make sure I tell them I do not take him foe walks).

David, I would have been retired now (or at least on Pension credits) if it wasn't for this government, now I have got to wait another 6 years. My main worry is I'll get moved to UC. Fortunately my wife is old enough so my ESA is topped up with her Pensions Credits. My wife who got DLA when she was 64 had it renewed (and upgraded and life award) when she was over 65.

Have they changed the rule where under DLA if you where awarded before retirement age you would keep it so long as you were eligable? As they have now done away with life awards chances are people born after the cutoff wikk more than likely be retested after they reach retirement age.