MariW: DLA-PIP decision is here!

Hang in there MariW. I am in the same boat as you in suspense dreading their next move and was referred by my GP to see the local crisis team , which was supposed to be 24th July, but I could not go because I was so ill with Diverticulitis and stressed out with all this. I have many more health conditions on top of this and at 66 years old now, I just want some peace and cannot believe this is happening at my age. A kind gentleman at the CAB has filled in my form for me - so now it`s a waiting game and my health is really going downhill with all the worry. He has requested a home visit, though I doubt they will listen. Chin up we are in this together.

I’d like to thank Suffolk Girl for her kind words of last month.

Help! I have no idea what is happening at IAS.

When I sent in my PIP2 on 29 July I included a letter from my GP requesting a paper assessment on grounds of both progressive physical disability and long-term mental health problems,

On 12 August IAS wrote to me to say that they had contacted my GP to request for further information. I alerted my doctor by letter. She received the IAS request and responded on towards the end of August.

My carer has been phoning IAS on 0800 188 4880 and we know that my GP’s further input has been received. My carer was told they would be writing to me again as soon as possible. I assumed that the next I would her would be confirmation i) that IAS had enough information to make a recommendation to the DWP or ii) that I would be told when to expect a face-to-face assessment.

My carer phoned IAS again this morning, more than three weeks after my GP sent in the additional information. The call-hander, like all IAS staff with whom she has spoken, was pleasant and professional but was unable to say anything more about the status of my claim. My file reads “pending”.

The word “pending” could mean i) that a decision regarding the paper-based assessment has yet to be made or ii) that I’m due an appointment for a face-to-face assessment. There is nothing on file to suggest a letter is in the post.

Is there any way to extract further information about the current information of my claim? Is there anybody higher up the IAS ladder with whom my carer can speak on my behalf?

Thank for any advice.

Mari W

Hi Gordon,

I did not realise that one a PIP2 had been seen by an HP and further information sought and provided by a GP or other source that it would by returned to the pile. Have I understood you correctly? I am in such a state that I’m scarcely taking things in. Does the timeline detailed in my post seem reasonable to you?

About “escalating” the issue whilst on the phone. To whom does a claimant or carer ask to speak? Apparently, the call handler to whom my carer spoke this morning g told her there was nobody to whom she could transfer her.

Thanks,

Mari

Gordon,

Thanks for the clarification and sound advice. As always, it's much appreciated.

Mari