Requesting a PA4 after telephone assessment

Thanks BIS. I should be grateful the report wasn’t a complete disaster, but of course, having GAD means I’m still anxious about it all, given I haven’t received an actual decision letter.

At this stage, it’s probably a ‘good result’ but we shall see. I honestly have been so stressed since the end of Feb since I first made my claim. (I had to ask for 3 extensions.)

This is the first time I’ve ever applied for PIP because I have been too afraid, in spite of my enduring conditions and eligibility. Fingers crossed I get the decision letter soon and it’s at least as ‘good’ as the report.

So this morning I received a text from the DWP informing me I’d been awarded PIP, a day after I received the PA4 and one week to the day since I had my phone assessment. Obviously I haven’t received the decision letter yet, so in order to try to figure out what I’d been awarded I followed a tip I’d seen on here from someone else.

I phoned the DWP line and when it takes you through the automated security part they tell you what your next PIP payment will be and when. It gave the total for standard on both daily living and mobility which corresponds with the points awarded by the assessor on the PA4.

So I’m obviously very pleased with that, although I had really hoped for enhanced on the daily living - I knew it would be impossible with my mental health issues to get enhanced on mobility and know it can be hit or miss given there’s only two questions, so I’m pleased with that.

I’m disappointed with the length of the award being two years - as per the PA4 - and have heard that sometimes the DWP can alter that - I’m really hoping not to a lesser timescale as I’m already 3 months into the two years given I first applied at the end of Feb.

I also didn’t realise that review letters are sent out up to a year in advance? Which means having only just gone through all this stress it will be the blink of an eye and I’ll have to do it all again!

Anyway, it would appear that my claim was successful so I’m really happy with that of course.

Couldn’t have done it without Benefits and Work and the brilliant guides and support, so thanks to all.

Thanks BIS. I suppose I’ll wait and see what the letter says and make a decision then, but I’m inclined not to rock the boat.

When they send out these review letters within a year do you get a while to return them, and does your original award remain in place until the expiry date? Regardless of the outcome of the review I mean.

It’s just all so exhausting. Also, am I likely to see any change in my long-standing ESA support group rate? I’ve had it since 2013 and there is a premium on it but I can’t find the letter and know it’s minimal. I read something about ‘passporting’ in the guides.

Well done Delilah, I'm so pleased you have received the award...it is good to hear that it is not impossible to get something!!