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PIP first claim but can't use the phone & booked h

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5 years 8 months ago #235356 by Sallyb
I received my first invitation to claim PIP as my DLA runs out in December. I immediately had a really severe panic attack!

My main problems are mental illness including an inability to use the phone; including not being able to use the phone. I have written to them and asked for a PIP1, is this right?

In addition we are booked to go away on 2nd September to France for 4 weeks. We camp at a site that we know really well, with little communication with the outside world, and where I seem able to go out on my own to the loo block etc. (I have problems leaving the house on my own in UK), I don't know what to do, must I cancel?

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5 years 8 months ago #235366 by Gordon
Sally

You say "we are booked...", could your partner ring up to start the PIP Claim on your behalf, you would need to be present for the security questions and to authorise the DWP to speak to them but your input should be minimal.

By writing to them you run the risk that your request for a PIP1 will not be received in time.

The normal timescales for making a claim, which includes postage, are four weeks and by the specified date included in the invitation letter you have received. If an application is not made then your DLA will be suspended for four weeks during which you will be given a further opportunity to start a claim, if one is not made by the second required date then DLA will be closed.

Once your claim is made you will be sent a PIP2 form to complete, you will be given four weeks to do this, postage is again included, you can request a two week extension if you require it. It would seem likely that your holiday will conflict with the form being issued and need to be returned, it is possible that the DWP may be able to accommodate this but if not then you will heave to consider how you will manage.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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5 years 8 months ago #235377 by Sallyb
Hi Gordon, thank you for responding. We did try on Friday to make the call, but they wanted me to talk to give permission, and I just couldn't do it. It's so stupid but I end up having a panic attack. We sent the request for PIP yesterday, by recorded delivery.

Do you think it would help if I effectively tried to answer all the questions that are written down and send that in? I just don't know what I can do, it seems wrong that an element of my problems means that I'm likely to be punished. If they stop my DLA, my husband will lose the c,carers premium, so we will lose the HB I just don't know what will happen to us then

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5 years 8 months ago #235383 by BIS
Hi Sallyb

I understand the situation you are in because I faced the same with my husband. If your partner can they have to take charge of the process when they make that call and explain that you are unable to speak apart from to say the word "Yes" because of the distress it would cause you. If you're able to have the phone on loudspeaker do so. Then the operator should ask if you give permission for you to speak and you say 'yes'. Your partner can continue the call (without it being on loud-speaker). There are three other occasions when the operator needs to know you agree and they will read some information and you only have to say 'yes' - nothing else. I know it is frightening, but there's no other information you have to give and your partner needs to make it clear you cannot do anything else. If there's anyway you can manage to say the word, 'yes,' I would try again. It is key that your partner explains your situation when you first make that call. If you cannot manage it - then he needs to ask to speak to a manager and explain you have sent in the form and what are you to do in those circumstances. Try and get an oral explanation from them before trying to send anything else in.

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Sallyb

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5 years 8 months ago #235388 by magdelena
Sally, I’m in a similar situation. My husband has Parkinson’s and his speech problems make talking on a phone, especially for any length of time, pretty much impossible. That’s before factoring in confusions and anxiety. So I do all the talking and all the form-filling. I do everything on his behalf.

I explained the situation at the outset, when making the PIP1 application and at no point has my husband been asked to talk to anyone. I’ve found the people at the DWP, Capita and Maximus to be very understanding.

Don’t belittle the problems you face. Let them know and as BIS suggests do what you can to help your husband. I’m also terrified by what could happen, it is a brutal, callous process. Let people help you where they can. There are some kind souls out there.

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