Telephone interview details

Thought it might help if I updated events since Tuesday's post.

Later that afternoon I received a call from the Complaints Dept of the DWP (went to length to explain they were not connected to PIP), they were ringing as they have received letters from my own MP and the Disability Minister. They explained that they are independent from PIP and did not have access to my PIP file.

Both MP's had provided copies of my complaint letters to Capita and DWP (22 pages in total) and they wanted to check if I wanted to add anything further. They also asked if Capita had replied to me within the 20 day requirement, they have not - it is now six weeks since my letter to them.

They said they were going to ring PIP to establish what was happening regarding my MR requested six weeks ago. They also suggested I contact the (as you did previously Gordon) Independent Case Examiner and ask if in the light of no written response from Capita they could accept the case "under exceptional circumstances" - I have done so and they will.

They also asked me the latest position with my car as I had made reference to it in my letters, I told them it was due to go back next week (Happy Christmas from the DWP) and they said DWP/PIP would know that and are meant to prioritise MR's when a vehicle is at risk. Yeh right (sorry I'm synical) !!

Yesterday I heard again from the NMC and apparently Capita have not responded to them either within the 20 day requirement. They did not indicate if or what their next move might be.

At 8am this morning I received a call from DWP/PIP to tell tell me Capita had asked for the file to "revisit" the case and their assessment (that was on Tuesday as per my previous post). I asked how long they thought it would take and was told "we would hope they deal with it fairly quickly". How long is a piece of string ?

I mentioned my car is due to be returned next week and they suggested I speak with them, explain the situation and ask for an extension, me and hundreds more would love that option to be a reality. Sometimes I wonder if they live in a bubble and don't have a clue what is happening outside in the real world.

Brought it into perspective just how much of 'a number' we really are when I rang them earlier this week as the guy told me there were 400 operatives working in his PIP call centre and another 2,500 in the building and I figure that is just one of several around the Country.

Wonder if I leave extra mince pies and sherry for Santa I will get a (nice) surprise from DWP ?

Happy Christmas to you all and I hope some of you will get happy brown envelopes for the festive season.

B x

A thought just came to mind, Capita are re-visiting the file so does that mean there will be a new assessment report sent to the DWP and one that I can/should ask for ?

B x

My apologies for keep asking questions but feel I need to check this out.

Just had another call from DWP/PIP to tell me I would be hearing from Capita as there were staring "afresh" with my DLA to PIP application and they would be carrying our a new assessment in the New Year.

Are there any legal requirements on timings etc., my 'invite' to apply was early July, assessment ten weeks ago and decision just under seven weeks ago. Last DLA and Mobility payment mid November and car due to go back next week.

Many thanks for any thoughts.

Inefficiency doesn't even come close.

Last week DWP suggested I call Capita if I wanted to know when the new assessment might be carried out. I didn't until today and was astounded to be told, they knew nothing about a new assessment and closed their file a week ago (the same day they requested it back from DWP) after receiving new medical evidence and returned it electronically to DWP.

I have provided no new medical evidence and checked with both my GP and consultant and they have not been contacted by Capita or DWP'

So I then called DWP to ask them what the devil was really happening and the next bit left me speechless, the file has been "lost" from their system, asked for a call back from a Case Manager and was told the same.

What on earth can I do now ?

Thanks in anticipation.