Speedy response to pip application!

Hi all,
Sent pip2 in on 20/7/15 and received a letter today inviting me to an appointment with the Atos HP on 20th August 2015!!

Just 31 days from application to assessment! Don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing!
I thought there was a back log.
Ted

tedthered64 wrote: Hi all,
Sent pip2 in on 20/7/15 and received a letter today inviting me to an appointment with the Atos HP on 20th August 2015!!

Just 31 days from application to assessment! Don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing!
I thought there was a back log.
Ted

Hi t64,

I wouldn't read anything into the fast turn around.

We have heard from quite a few members recently where they have received an appointment for a PIP Consultation within a week or two of returning their PIP 2.

They needed to speed up the process to try and keep the numbers down for the nationwide DLA to PIP transfer for all current appropriate DLA recipients.

You should be aware that how you manage the return trip to/from the Assessment Centre will be taken into account as part of the actual assessment.

You may be observed on approaching, leaving and whilst inside the centre.

Assumptions may be made by the assessor with regards to the above.

These assumptions could result in the assessor writing comments/recommendations within the PIP Medical Report which they compile and send to The DWP.

You can read what to expect at your PIP face to face from Page 70 of our : PIP Claims Guide. (2nd Link on page)

Please keep us updated and best of luck !

bro58

Thanks bro58,
I am going to research all of the available information on here, that you guys kindly provide
Regards
Ted

Hi all,
In regards to my upcoming Atos assessment I was wondering if one of the knowledgable mods could answer this query?

I had a consultation with my GP yesterday and because of my severe walking difficulties due to avascular necrosis left femoral head and awaiting bi lateral total hip replacement, he referred me to wheelchair services.

I am however worried that attending the assessment using the wheelchair will go against me.

I find it appalling that I even have to ask these type of questions when I am absolutely genuine in my mobility needs, what as this country come to!

tedthered64 wrote: Hi all,
In regards to my upcoming Atos assessment I was wondering if one of the knowledgable mods could answer this query?

I had a consultation with my GP yesterday and because of my severe walking difficulties due to avascular necrosis left femoral head and awaiting bi lateral total hip replacement, he referred me to wheelchair services.

I am however worried that attending the assessment using the wheelchair will go against me.

I find it appalling that I even have to ask these type of questions when I am absolutely genuine in my mobility needs, what as this country come to!

Hi t64,

Unlike ESA, PIP Mobility "Moving Around" is purely a "Walking Test" so using, or your G.P. advising you to use a wheelchair will certainly not go against you.

In fact PIP Claimants who cannot "walk" the requisite distance and have to use a wheelchair out of necessity rather than choice should receive the 12 points needed for an Enhanced PIP Mobility Award.

Even though the member in this topic was paralysed from the waist down and couldn't stand or walk at all, the information that I have given regarding wheelchair use may help :

See ; This Post.

If you have significant Mobility issues that preclude or restrict you doing the return trip to/from The Assessment Centre, you can contact ATOS and request a Home Assessment.

They will probably insist that your G.P. Faxes them supporting a Home Assessment explaining why you need one.

You are allowed to re-arrange a PIP Consultation once, but if you did rearrange you would have to ensure that you took part in the second appointment or your PIP Claim may be disqualified.

You can contact ATOS PIP by e-mail to the top right of : This Page.

If you have problems with stairs you need to check with ATOS that any Assessment Centre that you are required to attend is "level access".

ATOS have a "Duty of Care" to you to make any "Reasonable Adjustments" that are necessary due to the limitations/disabilities caused by your medical conditions.

N.B. Something else to consider regarding your use of a wheelchair !

I know that you have also recently returned your ESA50 to ESA.

Even though The PIP Moving Around Test is a "Walking Test" alone, the ESA "Mobilising Test" not only considers the distance that you can "Walk" aided or unaided, it also considers the distance that you can self propel a manual wheelchair unaided. (without being helped or pushed by another)

This is even if you have never owned, used or been advised to use a manual wheelchair.

So if you were able to "self propel" a "manual wheelchair" at your PIP Consultation, even though it would not adversely affect the PIP Assessment, if it was noted down in The PIP Medical Report that you could self propel a manual wheelchair, this fact may be used in your ESA Assessment.

With ESA any distance that you can Mobilise in an electric/motorised wheelchair or by someone pushing you in a manual wheelchair does not count.

Just something else to consider.

Anyway, if your PIP Assessment is on 20/08/15, I would be most surprised if you had gone through your Wheelchair Services Assessment and been given a wheelchair by then.

If you have someone to push you on the day, I believe that you can hire out push wheelchairs for the day from The Red Cross and other agencies.

That is of course if you don't request a Home Assessment and manage to obtain one.

bro58

Thanks bro58,
As always brilliant information that I will certainly take on board,
Ted