Hi All, I am in the process of claiming PIP. On 7th August I received the claim form following the initial 'phone call. By way of making things difficult, the letter accompanying the form was dated 20th July with a requested return date of 20th August. Given that the form had already taken 18 days to reach me, and presumably would take 18 days to get back, by the date of receipt I had no chance whatsoever of complying with the 30 day return date. I wrote to the DWP requesting an extension of time. No reply. When the chasing letter arrived, again I wrote requesting more time and again no reply. When I was able to return the form, I enclosed the letters I had written and later received the text acknowledgement of receipt by DWP. What if I had not been able to write? It remains to be seen how my claim progresses but I will not be holding my breath. The administration of PIP is diabolical.
You only have to show that the form was with the DWP by the required date, not that it is with the correct department, sending it by Next Day delivery on even Recorded delivery would be sufficient as both track receipt by the DWP.
If your form has been returned outside of the required date then I am afraid you will have to wait and see how the DWP deal with it, I am afraid that if they apply the rules strictly then they will close your claim, hopefully they will accept the letters you included as proof of your efforts to return the form on time.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
