FORUM CLOSURE DATES DEC 17 2021 - JAN 10 2022

Hi All

The moderators are all going to take a break over the holiday season - Christmas and New Year.

The forum will close down on the evening of Friday 17th December 2021 and we will open again on Monday 10th January 2022. So we'll be closed for three weeks and you won't be able to post any questions at that time.

On Friday 17th, we won't leave any posts that are unmoderated even if we have to say that we are unable to answer a specific question at that time.

In past years the posts that we generally receive immediately after New Year are about extensions to returning forms or assessment dates and types or what happens during the assessment process.

If you need an extension on returning forms - please contact the DWP as soon as possible. They will give you an extension. Some members have found they have been given second extensions when they have explained their difficulties. So don't leave it.

Some people are being given assessments at short notice. You are supposed to get seven working days. If you get less than that - you can ring and object. If you get an assessment type that you don't like (eg telephone when you wanted paper-based) - you can appeal - if it has been rolled out in your area. You won't necessarily get what you want. All the details are in the PIP guides.

If you're worried about what will happen during an assessment - please take the time to read the specific pages in the guides that cover the assessment process. It's impossible for the guides to cover every last scenario - because the assessors can come out with questions that are specifically personal to you, but it helps if you have an idea of what is likely to be asked.

Best wishes from all the Mods.