PIP Appeal

Hi

Does anybody know if the online PIP Appeal form is still working as I am having difficulty with it and it keeps saying try again later.

Also, is it best to give a full written submission under Grounds for Appeal, giving all the information about why you should be awarded PIP and the descriptors you should have been given or just a short paragraph of why I think the decision is wrong.

I am asking because it looks like under the current situation that they won't be having oral appeals in person. I've heard from many of you that it can take up to a year for you appeal to be lheard. So by then, hopefully, things may be back to normal.

Thanks for any comments.

Thanks for your reply Gordon.

I have tried the online appeal form again and it is now working again. Maybe they turn it off at weekends.

So you are saying that I could put it all down on the request. I thought it might be easier for them to see straight away and I would not have to repeat it again when the DWP put in their submission which I presume will be more of the same that the HP and DM’s have already stated on the MR.

Unfortunately, I don’t have much current medical evidence and this is one of the reasons they used to not award me. The other being I am not currently on any medication although I gave an explanation as to why I do not take it anymore.

I did manage to get some of medical records but they are quite a few years old when I first became ill. I do not attend clinics or hospital any longer because there is nothing more they can do for me but have said I can always be referred back if my conditions get worse.

I was on DLA high rate for both care and mobility for 20 years until the DWP invited me to apply for PIP. Originally the CAB helped me make a claim which was refused and we appealed successfully at a tribunal which if I remember took over a year for a hearing way back then.

This time, I am unable to get any help from the CAB (they just don’t have the resources) So I have to do most it myself with a bit of help with my careers writing out the form for me and my friend sending in a statement.

I realise that the DLA criteria is different from PIP. I have tried my best to show how I meet the various descriptors with help from your guides.

Is it worth pointing out to the tribunal that I was on DLA or will they be aware of this. I can’t find the original paperwork from the DLA tribunal and after 20 years, I don’t think the CAB keep anything over 6 years.

Is it a good idea to give them a phone number (it says optional) I don’t like the idea of them ringing me out of the blue.

Thank you once again for your kind help.

Thank Gordon for the reply.

I thought it would be too long ago even though I still have the same disabilities.

If I don't give a phone number how is the Tribunal going to do an appeal on the phone, if that is still happening when my appeal is heard?