Hi guys For those of you that have asked for a reconsideration of a PIP decision, how long did it take? I got my phone call, but all they did was ask if I’d received and understood my decision. I said yes but explained that the Atos report was full of mistakes, so she said she would file a request for reconsideration. When I asked how long it might take, she said she couldn’t say for sure but there were requests she had filed in January that were still pending. If mine takes that long I will have been waiting a full year from when I first applied for PIP. They asked for more evidence as well, and my MS nurse wrote a very detailed letter for me, which I have sent along with a covering letter listing the biggest errors (and outright lies) in the report. This whole process is utterly soul destroying. Kaz xx
Hi Kaz,
The fact that you need to ask for the reconsideration within a time limit (1 month from your letter date) but there is not a reciprocal date for the DWP to respond is very frustrating. They have to respond to appeals within 28 days but there is no time limit for reconsiderations.
Jennifer is correct that money will be backdated if you are successful but that’s hardly the point. The delay is very stressful. Keep your chin up – it will be worth it in the end.
Jane
Thank you both. They have confirmed that the money would be backdated. The problem is trying to manage in the meantime. And its not as if you can borrow money with a view to paying it back because there’s no guarantee you’ll get the award. It’s very stressful xxx