DLA to PIP

Thought I would share our experience of claiming pip. Husband had an indefinite award of dla from 2004. Letter to claim pip arrived last October and returned by recorded delivery. Dwp said they hadn’t received it even though it was signed for. Four weeks later they confirmed they had it. Each time I rang the Dwp I got variations in answers and although everyone was pleasant some appeared more knowledgeable than others. One lady was particularly helpful and arranged for a visit from the home visiting service so that I could become my husbands appointee. The people who came were extremely helpful. We waited and waited until finally I had a letter from capita to say they had the claim and would be in touch. Then about 5 weeks ago we had to go out one day at 10am and when we returned a couple of hours later the postman had been and there was a letter from capita to say they were coming to see us that day at 10.30! The letter was dated 3 days prior to the appointment. I rang capita and explained the situation. I was told that my husband was now showing as a FTA (failed to attend) and that I should ring back a week later to see if a new appointment had been made. I left it a couple of days and found out that a new appointment had been made. Husband then had a home visit 3 weeks ago. Assessor was extremely pleasant and it only took 40 mins. We had the decision yesterday and husband has enhanced awards with review in 2029!
The last 5 months have been some of the most difficult and stressful times of our lives. But thankfully I found this wonderful site. I used the guide to complete the form even though it took me 2 weeks to do it. So I can’t thank Gordon and the team enough.
So a heartfelt thank you for all that you. We shouldn’t have to need a site like this but thank god for people who dedicate themselves to helping others.