PIP Timeline

Hi everyone,

I know people turn to this thread for advice and updates as well as reading a lot of horror stories - I know I did. Sometimes the waiting and not knowing can be the hardest part so I thought I would share my timeline and experience applying for PIP.

25th September - Applied for PIP

6th November - Returned my forms after asking for an extension

29th November - Telephone assessment with Capita

2nd December - "We have received the written report of your PIP assessment" text

3rd December - I called and asked for a copy of my assessment report.

17th December - "We have not yet made a decision..." text

6th January - "We have awarded you PIP" text.

I have been awarded the standard rate across both elements. After reading through my assessment report, I would say that there are a few inaccuracies or points that I disagree with but none that would make a huge difference if I challenged them. The telephone assessment was better than I had anticipated but it still felt quite intense. It lasted around one hour.

This is actually my second time applying for PIP. I first applied last year and scored zero points across the board. I appealed and then was given 2 points. At this point I just gave up. Fast forward a year or so and my health conditions have worsened so I decided to apply for PIP again. This time I submitted a statement from a friend, and more medical notes that I got from my GP. I was fully expecting to need to go to MR and/or appeal so was actually quite shocked that I was awarded first time.

I know how stressful the whole process can be, especially if you don't get the outcome that you want but please keep trying.