Hello, i’m about to embark on completing a PIP application form.
Would like to hear of anyone elses experience claiming PIP, any tips?
Is it even worth doing? I see on the form it says a decision will take up to 26 weeks so could be nearlt xmas before I hear anything.
xxx
Hi Bunnythe cat, Im going through the process now, my time scale has been, requested forms on Dec 29th, with me by 6th Jan, filled out and sent back by the 12th Jan, assesement on March 13th, my forms are still with Atos, I ring every week to see if they have moved back to DWP and have been told by DWP that the decision will be made within 3 weeks of it being returned to them, money (if i get it) will be beack dated to the date I requested the forms. I joined Benefits & Work website, its a great sorce of info and guidance, the assesement its self was ok, the lady was nice but It was very obvious to me that I was being scrutinised with every word and movement. I was told - No make up, no shoe laces, no buttons, no handbag, they do a visual assesement of you when you go in and those things are noted under the presumption that you have done it yourself,and that you are capable of doing it all the time, also dont take up the offer of using the toilet unless you really have to as they time you and observe you getting there and back, no magazines while you wait. As I say these are things I was advised by others that have been through it. It is different for us than for some other disabilities as we can be ever changing and you need to write down your worse day, I was lucky/unlucky that I was having a shocking day on my assesement so it helped me relate to my M.S and be able to explain it properly.Good luck love, go for it, its worth a try
BC x
Thanks BC thats really helpful, i’ll keep thos tips in mind x
Hi Bunny,
I would recommend getting as much help as you can (from CAB or a similar organisation) or by joining the benefitsandwork site (around £20 a year), as they have some very good guides to filling out the forms. Best of luck.
Mags 
x
I applied for pip and filled the app out as if everyday is a bad day for me. Still waiting for a answer but I’ve got my local mp involved to get the ball rolling quicker. Do not put down anything about ur good days make it out like everyday is a bad day.
I got my MP on board too once I’d been waiting more than 6 months and hadn’t even had my assessment. Once he contacted Atos I was seen within 3 weeks. I’m now waiting for the outcome of my claim and if it takes longer than the 4-5 weeks I wad told, then I shall contact my MP again Good luck! Kaz xxx
this makes me so bloody mad, how dare they do this to people. This delay is stopping people having options, like maybe a car or electric wheelchair, stopping carers being able to claim carers allowance. It must surely be against some sort of human rights legislation somewhere? Sorry, it just really upsets me, its not like you dont have enough to go through as it is.
Ive just rang DWP to see if they have my assesment back and it went back to them on Friday and have been told that a decision will be with me in the next 3 weeks although others have been saying that once it is back with DWP its pretty quick and 3 weeks is worst case, so everything is crossed and am running on adrenalin, that can only be good for my M.S…not.
not sure I have the mental strength to go to appeal if I dont get it, to be honest I think this is cruel, im stuck at home cant go out as the car has packed up and we need a wheelchair access car so I can be part of the family when we are out and be part of society again. We live in the middle of no where (if one more person tells me how lucky I am to have the view of fields out of my window-I will run them down),its a pretty prison without walls at the moment).
Make sure you do appeal if you don’t get what you believe you’re entitled. It seems most people get turned down initially, and very often go on to get a positive outcome! Have to make sure I take my own advice when I get my decision 
Kaz xx
Hi You must ask for a reconsideration from the dwp before you can appeal to the tribunal service. No figures have appeared as to how many people get turned down initially as pip is a new benefit and has no history as it’s replacing DLA. All the best Neil
I had my assessment in nov dwp still waiting on atos to send back to them. I have chased them constantly. Haven’t had strength to write to mp yet.
I sent the form in October '13 and haven’t heard anything yet!
Hi
Had my atos assessment 26 Feb got my reply on 23 Mar.
Barney, that’s terrible! When I had my assessment my interviewer said she would be emailing her report to DWP immediately after the appointment and that I should hear within 4-5 weeks. (That was about 3 weeks ago). Regarding contacting your MP, if you google “write to me MP” or similar, there is a website that makes it really easy, and is the one I used. You put in a few brief details and it finds your MP and gives you a template letter to fill in and then sends it direct. It’s very simple. Kaz xxx
Barney, that’s terrible! When I had my assessment my interviewer said she would be emailing her report to DWP immediately after the appointment and that I should hear within 4-5 weeks. (That was about 3 weeks ago). Regarding contacting your MP, if you google “write to me MP” or similar, there is a website that makes it really easy, and is the one I used. You put in a few brief details and it finds your MP and gives you a template letter to fill in and then sends it direct. It’s very simple. Kaz xxx
Graham, do you mind me asking, was your outcome favourable? Kaz x
Thanks Kaz will do that tomorrow.
Hi bunnycat I have been awarded PIP look around 4 months but was successful first time. I was fortunate enough not to go to a face to face assessment as they had enough evidence with what I sent. My advice would be to send as much information as you can at the start of your application. I sent all the reports I had from neurologist,eye specialist,gp and even got my physio to write me a letter outlining the difficulties I have. My boss confirmed in writing that my job role had to be adjusted to suit my needs as well me reducing my hours. I think I totally bombarded them with information on the difficulties I have but it helped. Polly x