Applying for p.i.p

Hi Amy,

Firstly i'm not sure why your partner would get help to find work with you being in the WRAG, as it should be the other way around. They should be helping you to eventually get back into work, which is what the WRAG is all about, as you're the main claimant.

PIP isn't about a diagnosis, it's about how your conditions affect you daily. I can't post links but if you google PIP descriptors you'll see the criteria they use to score you points. There's to categories, daily living and mobility. To get an award you need at least 8 points in either or both of those for an award. You'll need evidence to suppport your claim and the more the better.

When you first ring the PIP helpline to start your claim off they'll ask you a few simple questions, name of doctor, address, bank details etc. Then they'll send you an extremely long form, very much like a book to fill in and return. You'll have 1 month from to return this along with all your evidence. Your file will then be sent to the assessment providers, they'll most likely ask you to attend a face 2 face assessment, like you did for ESA. They won't use your ESA assessment for PIP because they're 2 completely different benefits. ESA is for those with a limited capability for work, where as people claim PIP and work. Most people attend an assessment, it's very rare to have a paper based decision. Waiting times for an assessmsent from when you return that form vary wildly accross the country. Some are waiting just weeks while others are waiting months. It totally depends on the backlog in your area. You can ask for a home assessment but a letter from your GP will be needed, with the reasons why one is needed. The whole process for a PIP claim can take several months, or more. Hope this helps.

Your best asking Denise, she’s very helpful and knows about things like that, sorry I couldn’t help.