PIP reviews - for those still waiting

[DinoLil]

So, a year after my claim was due to be reviewed, I received a text message a few weeks back to say that I'd have a telephone review this morning.

Yesterday, they phoned to say, due to staff shortages, they had to postpone and I could either phone them later and request a new appointment or wait for a letter. I'm scatty AF so said I'd wait for a letter.

This morning, I receive a text to say I have a new appointment for next week. Face to face instead of telephone.

In Luton.

I live on the Isle of Wight.

So, I phoned. The woman confirmed the appointment was correct, I pointed out where I live and then she started laughing so hard, she could barely speak! She squeaked an apology and that I'd receive a new appointment, in between barely suppressed laughter. Tbh, I was finding it difficult to not laugh, too!

The asylum is run by the inmates!

Anyway, I just wanted to update as I've posted on many threads (different username) about the wait for reviews, the anxiety caused. It's all a farce.

I've been so anxious about my appointment. To have it cancelled, rearranged and then it's just a big joke. No. Not funny.

Just thought I'd share my experience to date as I know so many of us are in limbo.

I've been waiting 5 weeks now since the review, and not receiving any payment meanwhile for missing it in the first place (I was in hospital) so I know it is really anxiety causing. I just hope they stick to the time scale given of six to eight weeks

You've not received any payment since your review @RealPerson???? What??????? That can't be right?????

Yes, I think because I was late to participate in a review, and they had seemed to have closed my claim while I was in hospital. So it seems to be being treated like a new claim.. hope it doesn't take much longer as I think I am definitely still entitled to it

They are so ridiculous. My YP is nearly 20 now, so filled in their own form. It was due for renewal in October, but for some reason we were sent the forms in January. Sent back in early February. Today we were sent back the whole bundle (but it had been photocopied) to ask me to sign it as well. Not quite sure what they’ve been doing with it for the past seven months.

Well, just about sums them all right up from what you two are saying.

How can we have any faith that we are being treated fairly with these types of incompetence?

Thanks for update. It’s just so unfair the waiting… it causes health problems! (Were you fireandflames? If so, pleased to hear all ok as you dropped off radar and I wondered if you ok!)

I've been waiting 7 weeks now. They said up to 8 weeks but I know it can take months sometimes

Update. And I'm still lost for words.

I had my telephone review yesterday. I had a call beforehand to say the assessor was running an hour behind, was I okay with the revised time. I appreciated that.

Assessor phoned bang on the revised time. I explained how anxious I was after a year of waiting, very nice woman. Put me at ease.

The whole thing took an hour and a half, very draining, but I was totally honest. Call ended at 1pm and I literally fell asleep straight away, I was emotionally exhausted.

3.30pm I get a text to say my assessment has been received and I'll receive a letter with the decision in around six weeks. I was amazed it was that fast!

9.30am today, I have a text that says a decision has been made and I'll get a letter within two weeks and not to phone them as they can't discuss any decisions on the phone.

Just an HOUR after that, 10.30am today, 23hrs since the start of the review, they phoned me. They told me they've amended my claim to enhanced everything, back dated to July 2024.

I almost passed out! When does that ever happen??

So, don't give up. The wait is horrendous. I've felt sick with anxiety since I first had the renewal paperwork through a year odd ago. It just hangs over you. But the assessor yesterday and the lady today were extremely kind, patient and empathic. It would be so much easier to cope with if the wait wasn't so excruciatingly long.

@2015pls No that wasn't me. It's concerning when posters vanish though. I used to go by a metal wearing head gear username for several years!

I've been waiting 6 weeks without payments while a review decision is made and I'm struggling without the money. Just hoping to hear every day. That's a great result OP

@RealPerson they said after my telephone review that it would take six to eight weeks to hear. (Still shocked it was less than 24hrs.). I remember it took weeks from my original, first assessment.

And yours is delayed because you were in hospital? Have you got anyone who can chase it up for you?

I mean I can call them I suppose. Maybe I will tomorrow

@RealPerson Are they sending you text message updates? Definitely worth a quick call (quick call, hahaha, after you've been on hold for an hour...).