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Original poster

Does a PIP application really need to be so difficult?

29 replies

Guidebutton · 25/02/2021 16:38

And long winded?

I don't mean the appraisal part, we haven't got there yet, but just getting to the application stage seems unnecessarily difficult. I rang about 3 weeks ago and was told the form would be with me within 3 weeks.

Why 3 weeks just to get the form?

The form has arrived, slightly earlier than promised, but not much. It's a twenty odd page booklet, but this is only an application to be allowed to apply. It doesn't actually ask anything about DH's mobility.

We now have to send this off and wait for the actual application form.

If course, I understand that the process needs to be robust, but does it need to take so long?

Thankfully, we're not desperate for the money, but it will make a difference the the care DH can have. I really feel for people who do need this payment.

OP posts:
bellropes · 25/02/2021 16:44

It's carefully designed to put people off applying. The entire process is very disabilist.

GCITC · 25/02/2021 16:51

What bell said

Original poster
Guidebutton · 25/02/2021 16:58

Yes, I'd heard it was a challenging process but an application form to get an application form?!

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Benefits
crunchtimes · 25/02/2021 17:00

They create as many barriers to people claiming as possible. It's so shit.

Why12345678 · 25/02/2021 17:00

Why did you get a paper application form? The 1st call is usually the claim, during which you give details of medical professionals gps and bank details etc, then you get a paper form which asks you to explain how your disability affects you, cooking and bathing and that sort of thing. That was how it used to be

LST · 25/02/2021 17:01

Its horrendous. And I get terrible anxiety thinking of it. I currently get PIP but I've just had to fill in the 30 page assessment form even though I received a letter in December saying I was not going to be reviewed until Feb 2022. I sent it back off and hope to hear off them sometime in the next 13 weeks!!

itsgettingwierd · 25/02/2021 17:01

We skipped that bit as ds is transferring from dla to pip.

However the form is extremely difficult to complete because you need to write in so much detail.

We have now had the assessment and despite hearing horror stories it was actually ok and the man was lovely.

We are now waiting for dwp to complete the assessment, award points and give the outcome.

This is the bit that worries me. My ds hasn't been cured but if the stories are true we could have months of low income whilst we appeal.

friendlyflicka · 25/02/2021 17:05

You may be absolutely fine. But if not, appeal and appeal. it really is a horrible process. Seems designed to make you doubt your worth at every step. Keep going

Original poster
Guidebutton · 25/02/2021 17:10

@Why12345678

Why did you get a paper application form? The 1st call is usually the claim, during which you give details of medical professionals gps and bank details etc, then you get a paper form which asks you to explain how your disability affects you, cooking and bathing and that sort of thing. That was how it used to be
Because DH was unable to talk to them and they wouldn't talk to me.
OP posts:
Original poster
Guidebutton · 25/02/2021 17:12

I can't see how they could decline it, but it's highly likely DH will be dead before we get a decision Sad The doctors aren't yet saying less than 6 months but it won't be much longer.

OP posts:
Nearlyhalfterm · 25/02/2021 17:12

That is the application that you will have received as the call screens whether you can apply and if you are successful payments are backdated to the phone call. The application form is 20 pages long. If you have something different and an application to see whether you can apply I am really surprised. Most of the questions are around mobility and physical ability, it tends to be more of an issue for mental health and the additional info page usually needs to be used to detail the impact of mental health conditions IME

Nearlyhalfterm · 25/02/2021 17:13

If your DH could potentially die within six months get the GP to complete the form to state that and you can bypass most of the questions.

Original poster
Guidebutton · 25/02/2021 17:14

The form I have is in place of the screening call as they wouldn't take the answers from me and DH wasn't well enough to make the call.

OP posts:
Original poster
Guidebutton · 25/02/2021 17:14

@Nearlyhalfterm

If your DH could potentially die within six months get the GP to complete the form to state that and you can bypass most of the questions.
They're saying "a short number of months" but not less than 6
OP posts:
Whiskyinajar · 25/02/2021 17:14

Bloody awful application processing I did one 2 yrs ago for my autistic son.

It ran to around 56 pages of evidence in the end.

He did get awarded the enhanced rate for both care and mobility but it was a hard process and I feel for anyone having to provide care or deal with their own disability while trying to complete the bloody form.

Nearlyhalfterm · 25/02/2021 17:15

Ah sorry just seen husband didn't talk to them, cross posted. He can give permission for you to talk on his behalf then you answer the questions usually, or pretend he is answering and you are passing info on. Regardless I would get the GP to complete a form to say he may not have more than six months if it is around that amount of time. I am so sorry for what you are going through x

Pandoraslastchance · 25/02/2021 17:16

Pip is a nightmare. Im in one of the pip Facebook groups and something like 60 or 70% of applicants get denied, take it to.appeal and then get granted pip.

The whole process is designed to be as off putting,stressful and drawn out as possible.

Nearlyhalfterm · 25/02/2021 17:17

It is a bloody awful form and lots of people have to get someone to help them to complete it as it is so complicated

Pandoraslastchance · 25/02/2021 17:18

Do you have a specialist nurse you could ask for a supporting letter? Or is there a charity for your husbands condition? (When I got my cancer diagnosis Macmillan helped me with my pip forms)

Youll need copies of everything such as OT or physio reports, test results, doctors letters.

fluffysocksgoodbookwine · 25/02/2021 17:38

Has your GP actually refused to complete the DS1500 form OP?

I'm a GP, and I don't know many who would question a request for a DS1500 for a patient with a prognosis of 'short number of months'.

If you haven't asked specifically, then it would be worth doing so. It'll save you an awful lot of time and hassle.

Original poster
Guidebutton · 25/02/2021 18:18

I haven't asked for DS1500. It seems wrong to try and persuade a doctor to lut a short time on it. Would it be the GP? He hasn't been involved in his care at all.

OP posts:
Original poster
Guidebutton · 25/02/2021 18:24

If you say that out loud is it "DS fifteen hundred"?

OP posts:
RickiTarr · 25/02/2021 18:26

@Guidebutton

I haven't asked for DS1500. It seems wrong to try and persuade a doctor to lut a short time on it. Would it be the GP? He hasn't been involved in his care at all.
It’s a request they’re used to. People in your situation are scrabbling to keep all the balls in the air and start grieving and they’re worried about money. The medics know this and all about the DWP “special rules”.

Phone the consultants secretary or whatever contact you have, or if you have a specialist nurse ask them, or contact the GO first if they’re more accessible.

However it’s a common and reasonable thing to ask and they are well used to it. They’ll probably say yes, or if there is a good reason why not, they will say so.

So sorry for your situation. Flowers

RickiTarr · 25/02/2021 18:27

@Guidebutton

If you say that out loud is it "DS fifteen hundred"?
Yes. X
Bedforme · 25/02/2021 18:41

OP There is some information on DS1500 from Citizens Advice here. If you do need to complete the full form there is information here.

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