Pip waiting times

[Janemcconnell18]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows how long PIP are taking to make a decision? Just had my assessment there on the 12 of October.

I think so as I've received a message from them to tell me they got my report. I'm going to ring them again I can't deal with this any longer in so anxious can't sleep or anything waiting about for a decision off them.

All these telephone calls you are making to PIP are showing them that you have capability to handle your own affairs. That you do not need a carer to make the calls for you. That you are cognitively functional. Not helping your case at all.

Don't think that's true at all. If that was the case then I would have had to let someone else do the talking for me on my assessment. I have a right to ring for an update, especially if it has gone past the waiting time that they have specified.

@Janemcconnell18 yes ring get update decision prob made by now remember Yesterday I had msg not done decision yet and today awarded! And urs been with decision maker bit longer x

I rang anol still no decision made yet I explained to the fella on the phone that I am extremely anxious waiting for the outcome and he said to ring back in a few days so will leave it to next week now x

@Janemcconnell18 hopefully won’t b long Ul get txt by end of day fingers crossed 🤞 x

@Janemcconnell18

Fair enough. Totally get that. What I would add is the following two points.

Firstly a (depressingly) large number of PIP appeals I pick up have had 'help' from advisors to complete the PIP2 and MR. What has been put is quite frankly a pile of shite. The advisor has clearly not understood the PIP descriptors or regulations (they are complicated - I'm paid to understand them, I'm paid to know about the legislation and caselaw - most advisors are not). So have over egged often irrelevant issues and missed out on issues that were relevant. They've neglected to submit medical evidence (usually a print out of medical records dating back to 3 months prior to the claim date suffices). Admittedly I also get a small proportion who've had help from an advisor and I've suggested they either withdraw, or, alternatively I withdraw representation (it's not unusual to get a win this way, it's a tactic we only use occasionally). Those cases with no merit are few and far between.

What I'm trying to say is don't fixate on the fact you've had help! Unfortunately this doesn't mean you aren't entitled.

My second point is that every panel is different. I'm saying this with the experience of having done this job for years and having represented at 100's of appeals. Some panels are full of members who are utter shits. A good rep can help with that. I have ways of dealing with this - it's part of my job. Other panels are lovely. They are beautiful human beings, kind, thoughtful and question (or not) accordingly.

So please don't let one negative experience put you off. With the correct support (as long as you have grounds) you will win. No two ways about it. Likewise a decent rep will take a lot of the stress out the process for you. They will also encourage and support you. Again, it's part of my job - getting a win isn't just about the actual hearing. It's about getting that person in the room and making sure they understand what is relevant to their case.

As I said I'm employed by my local council. My service is completely free of any charge. I know two little cal Unemployed Workers Centre's who offer the same level of service - free.

@clairethewitch70

All these telephone calls you are making to PIP are showing them that you have capability to handle your own affairs. That you do not need a carer to make the calls for you. That you are cognitively functional. Not helping your case at all.

Not at all!!

Firstly there is no descriptor in PIP for managing a telephone call or 'managing your own affairs.' It doesn't even evidence ability to manage engaging (activity 9) - only face to face engagement counts.

If anything I'd use that in an appeal as illustrating a level of anxiety!! In all my years rep'ing PIP appeals I've never seen DWP use that against someone!! They do stoop pretty low of course. But no issue for a decent rep.

It doesn't demonstrate ability to read either.

It also entirely depends how you qualify for PIP. Is it mental health, is it physical health? What are you arguing for? Aids? Prompting? Supervision? Making lots of phone calls to PIP just doesn't fit. Even if you are deaf and would score points for activity 7, communication, this wouldn't go against you (you'd be using your bilateral hearing aids to make the call).

I think posts like this highlight the importance of getting proper representation rather than posting on mumsnet!!

@mormorningstar15, I 100% get where you are coming from aswell and can totally see your points and I am grateful for your advice. I honestly just think it depends on who you get aka if the decision maker looks at all the information given properly. I'm not hopeful at all tbh I've seen alot of people get turned down. I rang them a few times as I've honestly been way more anxious that usual waiting on a decision I'm not hopeful of a good outcome but I'd rather just know now at this stage because the waiting about and them dangling it in front of you then taking it away again is awful. But like I said thank you for all your advice.

@BBvbvbv i hope so just want to know now at this stage lol x

4 months and waiting…Got a text last month to let me know that they still have the form and will be looking at it soon. I’m fairly confident it will be renewed as things have got worse if anything. Unless their criteria has changed then I should be fine. I want to order our EV.

I applied 21st July. Got my telephone assessment in 2 weeks. X

@Confusedabout good luck with your assessment

Here goes another week of waiting lol praying for a decision this week 🤞

I had my video assessment last week and advised 8 weeks before decision made.

CAB will help you with the completion of the form.

@Yesnoormaybe ive heard the same myself. I'm not too hopeful for a good outcome on my claim but all you can do is apply and hope for the best.

@silverclock222 they told me 4 weeks for a decision I'm in week 5 now, but they tell you that many different things about waiting times. All depends how fast the decision maker who has your claim is at processing it.

Good news for me today guys was awarded it!! Absolutely over the moon such a pleasant surprise l. Keep fighting people yous deserve it.

That’s amazing very happy for you it’s been a long enough wait!

@Jhunte thank you 😁

Aww I'm glad. So many people don't get it now!

@PinkButtercups i was pleasantly surprised that I was awarded it as I know how hard it can be. But I'm so glad it's over now and the stress is away.

I applied for PIP mid October last year, was assessed at the end of March, and was awarded PIP at the end of April. I actually received my back pay in my bank account a couple of days before I was told I'd been awarded it.

@Janemcconnell18 Very pleased for you - the relief is incredible, isn't it?