pip

I am currently in receipt of DLA which was due for renewal at end of May 14. Letter arrived today explaining that it is PIP that I need to apply for and says I have until 14/2/14 to make the initial phone call to get the claim started.
I assume that the first part is fairly straightforward and that I would have 4 weeks from the date I receive the PIP2 form in order to get it completed and obtain further evidence to send it off. Is it worth using the next few weeks to try and get the further evidence sorted and maybe get an appointement with someone who could help me fill out the form and then phoning them and having 4 weeks from the form being sent out?.
Anyone who has phoned to get the claim started was it just basic questions ie NI number, bank details etc. I saw one item that asked about time out of the country, is this about whether you have been on holiday ie 1 week in the summer or are they meaning claiments who maybe stay in Spain for several months over the winter etc.

Hi Keanda,

Good thinking! it would be useful to start getting your evidence together before you make the initial PIP phone call. This is fairly basic at this stage - the quation regarding time abroad does mean any time, DWP can then decide how relevant it is to your claim.

Our PIP guide is here

Help for PIP claimants

Thanks for the reply. I have had a look on the link for PIP1 and the questions seems pretty straightforward.
Just wondering how you find out who it is that carries out the assessments i.e. Atos or Capita. Is there a difference between them and how they carry out the medical/assessment.
thanks

GORDON, Think you need to read the last few lines of your reply again