Just been called out of the blue by PIP

[Rubberduck23]

I sent in a mandatory reconsideration in July after my first application scored 6 points. So 2 points off the low rate daily living award.
I’ve had two letters saying they have received my application for mandatory reconsideration and I’d hear within 15 weeks.
Anyway I had just had a blood test at the doctors this morning and had a random 0800 number call me, I ignored it first then it called twice more so I decided to answer it. When the voice said she was a DWP decision maker I went into mega anxiety mode. I wasn’t expecting a call from them so it really caught me off guard. She said she wanted to give me a chance to add anything else to my case, I was so confused, anxious and upset that I just started talking really fast about everything I struggle with and to be honest I can’t even remember what I said, I was in such a state of panic.
I said goodbye and called off.
Then I had another call off the same number about 10 minutes later! I just couldn’t answer it so I let it ring and didn’t pick up, which I know is bad but I am so anxious right now. I feel like I’m about to hit full meltdown mode.

Has anyone else had a call like this? Were they trying to catch me out? I’m feeling so paranoid now.

It’s not trying to catch you out it is following up on your request for the mandatory reconsideration. If the details you provided haven’t materially changed / or some additional information wasn’t clear to them they will be trying to clarify. They have given you the chance to add extra info to support your case.

If they have tried to follow up again, take a few minutes to write down what you would like to say and leave it by the phone so you are prepared, or once you have written it down phone them , provide your details and they can link the application with the info.

(Lots of experience sorting DH & DM applications - no phone calls aren’t unusual when they need to clarify )

@Aligirlbear

Thank you, is it a good or bad sign they’re calling? I’m just feeling mega paranoid now and like it’s bad news coming.

They haven’t called back again so I feel like I’ve missed my chance now. Because I didn’t answer the second time.

It's normal for them to ring for MRs, I did one for my son and they rang us and asked a few questions. It's nothing to do with catching you out they just might need more information on an answer you've given that's all.

Unfortunately yes, you probably have.

Can you call them?

Be to late now, the decision would have been made.

The information you have given OP in your opening thread is they are trying to clarify / seek additional information - that’s neutral, what it means is they are looking at your application and giving it consideration.

Phone them with your notes and speak to them - that’s your best chance of making sure they have the info they need

If you don’t answer a question to which they need an answer, they will put your application on hold. Call them. Answer the exact questions they ask you and don’t provide any additional information. They aren’t trying to catch you out.

I tried calling them back but the number says “we tried calling you, we’ll call you back if we need to”. To be fair I might have been on the toilet or something so I’m wondering why she didn’t call again after that.

Yikes - i think you might have missed your chance and they would have made a decision already OP.... sorry.

I had that - was declined PIP and lodged an appeal, hadn't even sent in any more evidence and got a phone call. He gave me PIP there and then on the call. Was pleased, but a bit perturbed because it seems that they knew that I was obviously entitled but wouldn't have awarded it if I hadn't appealed. I believe they call it a lapse.

I’m going to try and call the pip line now. They do have all my previous info so I’m hoping that will help anyway.
I really struggle with out of the blue calls like this, I have to be prepared, it’s horrible. I’m prepared to go to tribunal as I don’t think I’ll get it this time to be honest, I have a gut feeling. Not many people do when it comes to Mandatory Reconsiderations I don’t think.

Try ringing back but hide your number so you don't get the automated response. Dial 141 before the number.

I had this when I was awarded although I didn't have to appeal, they called to confirm all details then again to confirm I was OK to receive and manage a large sum of backpay on my own.

I’ve just tried that using a with held number but it’s still saying “we called you earlier but you weren’t available”

@TheLadyIsAVamp

Nothing was mentioned about back payment just that I’d hear in 7-10 days.

They'd already called you 4 times at this point and you can imagine what their workload is like.

As a PP said, if they have a question they need the answer to in order to proceed, they'll contact you in writing.

@Rubberduck23
Hopefully you're not waiting too long. You could try the 08001214433 number but wait time are usually quite a long time.

I work in this sector. I don’t think they will call you back now after the second time, the work load is crazy. If you don’t think the decision is correct your next step is tribunal.

Neither. It's just part of the process. They call everyone unless everything is covered on the form & evidence provided. Most people can't provide evidence for every single point so most people are called or invited to a face to face interview.

What a ridiculous thing to say. You have no idea whether that's the case, you'll just stress out the OP more. For what it's worth my son's MR failed and I was sent an appeal form. I wrote on the form that I was surprised it had failed because the information in it had been used for an earlier MR that had been awarded. Suddenly I didn't have to go to appeal for him. The anxiety claiming PIP causes is inhumane. It must cost the taxpayer more in the long run, especially for people with lifelong conditions.

The anxiety claiming PIP causes is inhumane. It must cost the taxpayer more in the long run, especially for people with lifelong conditions.

This. Hopefully this Government will consider things like this, if they decide to overhaul the PIP.

They never called back the second time.
I called the pip line and I was on hold for an hour so I eventually gave up.
Feeling awful now , hope I haven’t messed up my chances after missing the second call.

Just call again and stay on the line until your call gets answered. Put your phone on speaker and then you can potter about and do something else. Frustrating, but if you do want to speak to them, it's probably better than sitting anxiously waiting.

@LumpyPumpkin
I had to pick my DS from school so I had no choice but to hang up after an hour. Then I had my therapy session.
I guess the phone lines will be closed now. I’ll have to try on Monday. Might be too late by then and they work have made their decision.