Firstly, I will like to thank Gordon and everyone involved with this wonderful website. I can 100% categorically say that without this site and your extensive and accurate Guide, my PIP application would not have been successful because I would have completely missed many of the comments that got me points.
I was very apprehensive when I got the form to go from a lifetime award of DLA to PIP. I was terrified with the horror stories and also the size and complexities of the form.
In over 25 years of being awarded lifetime higher rate mobility and middle rate personal care, my physical disability had drastically worsened. I had also developed mental difficulties. I carefully followed the Guide to compete the form, enclosing countless medical evidence.
I was disappointed when I got a letter indicating I would get a home assessment because I was hoping they would make a decision based on the weight of the numerous medical evidence. Gordon from this site reassured me that being offered home visit, which I hadn't even requested, was a positive.
For my home assessment, I made sure I had a family member with me. I also prepared for the assessment using the questions in the Guide and even had two rehearsal interviews with family members. If you do this, please ensure your answers don't sound too rehearsed. All the questions I was asked in the actual assessment were questions I had prepared from the Guide.
This site also prepared me for the "trick" of assessors turning up early to "catch you out". Mine tried to turn up an hour early, I didn't answer my phone when I suspected it was the assessor, and when the door bell over half an hour early, the assessor was informed I was being helped in the bathroom. My family member opened the door when we were ready for the assessment to commence, without being even more stressed by an earlier time than booked.
I also followed the advice on this site to request the assessor's report immediately it became available. I got these less than a week after my assessment and they were fair and accurate.
I am thrilled to report that I have gone from higher rate mobility and middle rate personal care on DLA to enhanced awards for both mobility and personal care on PIP. I have also been awarded the maximum 10 years with a note that changes in my disabilities are unlikely.
I will like to once again thank Gordon and every single person who is involved with this wonderful website.
If you are reading this and daunted by the your PIP application, I would like to reassure you that better outcome than DLA can happen and did in my case. I will also like to reassure you that there are honest assessors, even though the bad apples give them a bad name. I will also like to say that the investment of the Guide is definitely one worth making. The Citizens Advice Bureau website guide on PIP is also helpful.
Best of luck everyone and best wishes.
