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PIP Assessment Challenge, Late reply over 4 weeks, and what's said on phone
- Gascar
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1 year 9 months ago #278665 by Gascar
PIP Assessment Challenge, Late reply over 4 weeks, and what's said on phone was created by Gascar
Might help someone:
I realised too late that the 4 weeks from the date on their letter had expired.
I think it took 18 days to arrive, which I hadn't noticed.
It was 5+ weeks from the date on their letter when I called them (in a panic!). I told them the mail was delayed because of strikes etc, and the call handler just said "OK I'll put post delayed then".
Whether it'll work or not I don't know, but she read through all the individual catergories of both Living and Mobility, and for each little section asked if I wanted to challenge it.
She took a few details on each but not much "I haven't got much space to type"! She put things like "falls over" and "Can't use bath/shower".
She asked if I had anyone else to assist - looking for a case worker I think, but I don't have one.
I would be phoned within a few months.
I suggested getting a letter from my GP in the interim - yes, good idea, get one and send it to them, she said.
Good luck
I realised too late that the 4 weeks from the date on their letter had expired.
I think it took 18 days to arrive, which I hadn't noticed.
It was 5+ weeks from the date on their letter when I called them (in a panic!). I told them the mail was delayed because of strikes etc, and the call handler just said "OK I'll put post delayed then".
Whether it'll work or not I don't know, but she read through all the individual catergories of both Living and Mobility, and for each little section asked if I wanted to challenge it.
She took a few details on each but not much "I haven't got much space to type"! She put things like "falls over" and "Can't use bath/shower".
She asked if I had anyone else to assist - looking for a case worker I think, but I don't have one.
I would be phoned within a few months.
I suggested getting a letter from my GP in the interim - yes, good idea, get one and send it to them, she said.
Good luck
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- Gary
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1 year 9 months ago #278678 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic PIP Assessment Challenge, Late reply over 4 weeks, and what's said on phone
Hi Gascar
Welcome to the forum.
You might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum
By the sound of your post you have made a telephone mandatory reconsideration.
You need to contact DWP and ask for a copy of the assessors report called a PA4.
When you have the assessment report you will have a better understanding of how the DWP Decision Maker has come to their conclusions and you will now be able to argue against them.
I usually use a highlighter to highlight any inaccuracies, once you have gone through the report you then set out why you are applying for a MR and go through each descriptor one at a time why you disagree with the assessor and try and match it with any supporting documents you may have sent in.
Understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say 'in my opinion' you can do the PIP activities, tackling these head-on is unlikely to be successful, you need to show that the basis of that opinion is founded on incorrect information, so try and refer to your evidence to undermine what they have said, remember they are just an opinion which is not based on fact.
Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your scoring points, I often hear members referring to the assessors spelling, as an example, whilst it may show a lack of professionalism, raising it as an issue isn't going to help you get an award.
Your primary task is to show that you meet the criteria, there are many reasons you may have failed, you need to address each of these but don't get bogged down in criticising the assessment report unless you can clearly show that it is incorrect, it is a lot easier to argue the facts of the situation.
Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that you are being assessed against you can put the best case forward that is possible but you won't score points if you do not meet the PIP Descriptors.
Have a look at our PIP MR & Appeal guide; benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip
You may want to start preparing for the appeal once you get a copy of the assessors report, as most MR's are turned down so don't let that put you off.
When you have a better idea of the issues with your claim, come back to the forum and we will do our best to help.
Gary
Welcome to the forum.
You might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum
By the sound of your post you have made a telephone mandatory reconsideration.
You need to contact DWP and ask for a copy of the assessors report called a PA4.
When you have the assessment report you will have a better understanding of how the DWP Decision Maker has come to their conclusions and you will now be able to argue against them.
I usually use a highlighter to highlight any inaccuracies, once you have gone through the report you then set out why you are applying for a MR and go through each descriptor one at a time why you disagree with the assessor and try and match it with any supporting documents you may have sent in.
Understand that the assessor is offering an opinion when they say 'in my opinion' you can do the PIP activities, tackling these head-on is unlikely to be successful, you need to show that the basis of that opinion is founded on incorrect information, so try and refer to your evidence to undermine what they have said, remember they are just an opinion which is not based on fact.
Also, try and stick to issues that lead to your scoring points, I often hear members referring to the assessors spelling, as an example, whilst it may show a lack of professionalism, raising it as an issue isn't going to help you get an award.
Your primary task is to show that you meet the criteria, there are many reasons you may have failed, you need to address each of these but don't get bogged down in criticising the assessment report unless you can clearly show that it is incorrect, it is a lot easier to argue the facts of the situation.
Lastly, make sure that you understand the criteria that you are being assessed against you can put the best case forward that is possible but you won't score points if you do not meet the PIP Descriptors.
Have a look at our PIP MR & Appeal guide; benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip
You may want to start preparing for the appeal once you get a copy of the assessors report, as most MR's are turned down so don't let that put you off.
When you have a better idea of the issues with your claim, come back to the forum and we will do our best to help.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Gascar
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- Gascar
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1 year 9 months ago #278681 by Gascar
Replied by Gascar on topic PIP Assessment Challenge, Late reply over 4 weeks, and what's said on phone
Thanks Gary. My post was to help anyone who might have been late, really. I'll start a new thread about me!
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