Would we be best to close our PIP claim then start a new claim later?

Hi Newclaim1, an extension would definitely be useful as you wait, I don't think you need to start a new claim.

Asking for medical records or printing them off can also help, as can asking for a summary assessment printout from the GP's reception.

Claim is based on fulfilling the descriptors so as long as you can manage to do that well with some evidence this should suffice. There is help out there to fill the form out including charities, citizen's advice and local housing offices if you are with them.

The guides on Benefits and work site are invaluable for filling in PIP and other benefits, and I am sure they would be of use to you.

I would take that holiday, no reason why you shouldn't. There is quite a backlog at the moment of some months with PIP.

If your daughter does have to have an assessment you are allowed to be with her, or another companion.
Applying to be her appointee can also help, meaning you can speak on her behalf on all issues of benefits.


Good luck!

Greekqueen

Hi NewClaim1,
There is no need to start a new claim. Get an extension if required. Follow the excellent advice given above. Don’t worry if you haven't got all the medical evidence you/your daughter can give the best evidence yourselves.
If DWP don't think there is sufficient evidence they will either ask for more evidence, or perhaps not award any/enough points. Whilst this might sound drastic, DWP often refuse cases even when there is very strong evidence. However at this point, you can write a letter to DWP asking for them to reconsider .(This is called Mandatory Reconsideration. ) You will have the opportunity to counter what DWP has said, and provide more evidence if you now have this. There is nothing wrong with doing this if you have to. Many people succeed at MR stage even if zero points have been awarded.
It is important to continue with a claim at this stage because your claim gets backdated from when you first contacted DWP asking for the form. Even if you need to do MR or appeal to a tribunal, if you succeed money us backdated right to the initial start point. You will lose this money if you stop this claim and restart!
Do the best that you can now, refer to the members guides. As Denby said don't use words like sometimes or often, because these can become meaningless and misconstrued by DWP. Be brutally honest, and don't be ashamed or embarrassed about writing things down. Unfortunately it is a very negative process. Denby mentioned the 4 criteria which need to be considered. All 4 apply. Be really sure about whether things can be done safely, does pain or breathlessness occur, this might indicate not acceptable standard. Disabled people often use complicated coping strategies to do things. Thing about how someone watching a fly on the wall documentary of your daughter performing PIP activities would react - would they say 'goodness me, she really needs help' if so it is likely at least one of the 4 criteria hasn't been met. She takes too long, she is so awkward in her coping mechanism, it looks painful, she looks exhausted etc etc these are the sorts of responses that indicate help.
Good luck.
Let us know how you get on.
I hope this helps.
LL26