PIP Phone Claim Headache

Hello. On 3rd December I received the letter telling me I had to apply for PIP and was beside myself with rage over their demand that it be done by telephone. I'm DEAF and cannot use the phone at all. I checked in this forum and saw somebody else had asked about this issue and they were told it was OK to write explaining they can't use the phone and ask for the form to be sent to them. I wrote a letter immediately making this request and sent it by recorded delivery. They signed for it on 8th December.

Today I received a letter dated 11th December informing me I have ten days left to make my claim (by 25th December ) because they claim they haven't heard from me. I am furious. Fact is, I cannot use the phone and am terrified I'll lose my benefits thanks to their insistence I use the phone to start the claim. Why on Earth one cannot contact them online is beyond me or is there a way one can do this?

Any idea what I should do now?

Thank you. Much appreciated.

I will resend the letter and will visit the CAB next Monday to get them to phone on my behalf if need be. As we well know, one can't leave anything to chance with the DWP!

I Jen, I believe it was me that had the same problem.

My MP phoned them on my behalf. I just emailed him my details. Name; Address: DOB and National Insurance number. He did it the same day. That way it was logged on my file and he even stated that they had to give me extra time to ensure I got the form.

It's a real B... when one is in this situation and you live alone. It does not help if someone calls for you as they still expect you to be able to speak to them on the phone to give someone permission to speak on your behalf?? Lack of intelligence comes to mind.

With regard to getting a reminder: It appears to be normal practice to send a reminder after 14 days. In the end, I got three PIP2 forms..all with different dates on them.

At one time, there was an email for the DWP as I used it a few times. It appears to have disappeared. it really is totally unfair that those of us with hearing and speech problems are put in this situation. How many of us have a text phone??

I contact everyone by either email or text normally. I don't have any problems this way..unless it is the DWP. They are a law unto themselves.

Good luck x

I think this counts as inexcusable discrimination.

I would contact human rights solicitors and /or a deafness charity to harrangue them on my behalf for making such a crass error of jdgement in the first palce.
They can read!!!
Treating people in this manner is unacceptable in my opinion.

I've had the same problem (I'm not deaf but i have difficulties using the phone) and they insisted that I use the phone when I got my carer to phone up.

They've been told in writing and over the phone multiple times that I can't speak to them on the phone. It does not seem to penetrate.

I would definitely take this further because it's really not acceptable trying to force someone who is deaf to speak on a telephone. Idiots.

Also, if you get someone else to phone on your behalf they want you to come on the phone anyway and confirm you are allowing them to make the phone call.

This ridiculous system needs to change.