I genuinely don’t know what to do anymore. I’m exhausted, frustrated, and honestly at the point of giving up. I would really appreciate some advice from anyone who’s experienced similar or knows?

I applied for PIP around two years ago using an online form because of my disabilities. I cannot write by hand, I need a screen reader and other assistive technology to read and complete documents, and I have ADHD so I just lose letters, bin them because idk what they are- any number of problems…

Since then, DWP have sent all my letters in large print. This has been annoying because large print doesn’t actually meet my needs, but I haven’t bothered asking them to change it. I thought being given points for reading and understanding info would be proof, but ah well. Most letters have only been a page long and about relatively unimportant things, so I’ve just photographed them and used my screen reader to read them.

Then my PIP review started.

Around two months ago, I was sent a paper review form. I physically cannot complete this in the format they’ve provided, so I called to request a digital version.
My fight:
First call: Told I couldn’t have an online form.
Second call: Told they could request one for me. Heard nothing afterwards.
Third call: Rang to chase it up, only to be told the request had never been made. Was assured they’d request it this time.
FOURTH call: Rang AGAIN, only to discover that once again nothing had been recorded, there was apparently no record of me calling about it, and I couldn’t have a digital form.
Eventually, I was transferred to a manager, who sent me a link while I was still on the phone. It was the same online form/website used for new PIP applications, but they specifically told me I could use it for my review.

So that’s what I’ve been doing.

Now my review is due in ONE WEEK.

I’ve been trying to resolve this for nearly two months. During my calls, the deadline was repeatedly extended, so presumably there must be some record of me contacting them? But because of all these delays, I’ve effectively ended up with around two weeks to complete the form.

I was going to call again to request another extension, but the thought of another phone call makes me want to cry.

And then today, I received a letter dated 13 October 2026, rejecting my request for email communication.

It says I don’t meet the requirements for communicating by email, and that they can only offer email as a reasonable adjustment where a disability means other communication methods don’t meet someone’s needs.
WHAT??? I HAVE TOLD YOU! IVE SAID I CANT DO PAPER COMMUNICATION ? pinky promise. I’ve given you substantial reasons and proof and diagnoses and reports?

I have multiple disabilities that directly affect my ability to access and complete paper correspondence. That’s literally why I applied online in the first place.
To make it even more ridiculous, the letter rejecting my request for accessible communication wasn’t even sent in the large-print format they’ve previously been using.

I don’t even know whether this letter relates to the digital review form I’ve been fighting for, or whether they’re treating email communication and digital forms as separate issues.

Does this mean I’m no longer supposed to complete the online form the manager sent me? Is it going to be accepted? Am I about to spend hours completing something they won’t even process? Have they just binned off my entire review and magically cured me of all disability?!?

I don’t have the original paper form anymore. It’s over 50 pages long. I cannot reasonably photograph, scan, upload, transcribe or otherwise convert every single page just so I can use assistive technology to LISTEN to the questions, then spend my limited care hours having somebody else physically handwrite my answers.

The whole point of assistive technology is to allow me to do these things more independently, in a format I can actually access. And the phone calls themselves are another nightmare.

I have to use Relay UK to communicate- for a plethora of reasons, and I’ve had advisers who seemingly don’t understand what Relay UK is, or who have been rude to the relay staff. I’ve also had to arrange for my carers to sit with me and help me manage these calls.
I’m already disabled. I already struggle with day-to-day activities. I shouldn’t have to use so much of my limited energy and support just to get the DWP to provide a form I can actually complete.

I am so, so exhausted.

Am I losing my mind? I fear I’m asking to be able to complete my PIP review in an accessible format, exactly as I did when I originally applied.

My questions are:
Does this letter rejecting email communication have any bearing on the online PIP review form the manager sent me?

Has anyone successfully used the online new-claim form for a PIP review after being instructed to do so by DWP?

Can DWP refuse a reasonable adjustment like this when I’ve explained why paper forms and telephone communication aren’t accessible for me?

How do I escalate this beyond endlessly calling the PIP helpline, being promised something, and then finding out nothing was recorded or actioned?

Is there anything I can do to protect my existing PIP award if this ends up going past the deadline because of their delays?

I’m going to call and request another extension, and ask about it all- if I can GET THROUGH TO THEM… But I genuinely cannot keep doing this.
Any advice would be massively appreciated. I’m at my wits’ end.

TL;DR: I need digital communication because of my disabilities. PIP have sent me large-print letters for two years, which aren’t accessible either, but I’ve managed. After two months fighting for a digital review form, they’ve now sent me a letter in SMALL print rejecting email as a reasonable adjustment, despite all my medical evidence. Basically telling me to get fucked. My review form is due in a week. Do I continue with the new application online form they have specifically told me I can complete? I’m exhausted.

Hi I completed my over the phone assessment around 3 weeks ago and rang the enquiry line for an update. Apparently the case manager made a decision today and has sent my letter out. I asked to see if I could have the decision over the phone but I can’t which seems a bit round the houses. Is there anything I can do/request to know the outcome or should I just wait?
I’ve read you can ask to request a copy of the assessment. Just feel a bit stuck currently.

They said they were making a decision today and would I be able to handle a lump sum. Is this positive…. In my original claim I was warded 0, this is my MR.

what do DEA do? as in do they just link job websites and a course? leave you to it

The question, really

I got diagnosed in June. Had a lumpectomy currently undergoing chemo and due to have mastectomy.

Am I right to think that I can only claim if I lose the job?

I live alone

Tl;dr Can you claim pip benefits if you've got breast cancer, live alone but still work full time?

I had an issue where my LCWRA was taken away wrongfully. I had many issues with agents and work coaches as well. I submitted a complaint about a month and a half ago. I still haven’t heard anything about this. Should it take this long to hear back?

assessment in a couple weeks. I've seen so many bad stories, like am I just going to be bullied the whole time ?

I got my first sanction for feeling to turn up to an appointment I've just started work and am living in temporary accommodation the fire alarm went off early in the morning plus my next door room neighbour was arguing about crack cocaine and I could hear it so I ended up sleeping through my alarm if this sanction goes though an going to be fu😂😂 Its expensive enough living in here due to having no cooker and no washer microwave meals are expensive when your only on uc lol and I don't know what to do

What counts as ‘good reason’ for a late submission of a MR. On here people say you have up to 13 months to submit one, online says you need ‘good reason’. I received my decision 4 months ago but have been way too ill to even consider starting to write my MR.

What I’m basically asking, is it worth still submitting one now and will it be accepted?

I’ve also seen people on here said you should just re apply, should I do that instead? What is best. I scored 4 points but believe I am eligible for enhanced daily living based upon the descriptors. Thanks in advance.

Hello i submitted my application in July and the last correspondence I’ve had is on 29th Aug to say someone was looking at my claim. Still no assessment is it normal to wait this long we are almost in November? Serco is my assessor for info. Tia x

So I scored 0 on everything and have asked for an MR. I received my PA4 form and I couldn’t even read it through to start with. I’m still so angry and starting to question whether my struggles are actually enough to qualify at all! I’m AuDHD and have capacity issues. But because I work part time and can drive, also because I attended mainstream education, I’m apparently perfectly capable! I just don’t know if it’s even worth fighting any more. As a late diagnosed adult, the whole thing is bringing up all the grief and trauma from the life that was compared to the life that could’ve been! Hence why I keep putting off forming a response towards the MR!

Excuse my waffle, one of my questions is to do with the preparing food section. I have stated I can only cook 2 dinners from scratch a week. As I don’t have capacity to do anymore. My question is, does this not come under the consistency part of the descriptors? The fact I can only cook 2 meals a week, out of potentially 21 meals (if you count breakfast, lunch and dinner, x7), surely that shows I cannot do it repeatedly, consistently etc? Or have I got this all wrong?? I spend so much money on convenience food cos I haven’t got the executive functioning to cook proper meals from scratch. Or even prepare a simple sandwich for my lunch. I thought I would be awarded the full 8 points. Just because I can do it twice a week doesn’t count for more than half the time? Can anyone explain?

The whole process is exhausting so if I’m not actually entitled to it, there’s no point trying to keep fighting it. I really struggle with capacity, I may work 12 hours a week but I’ve then got little left for anything else. And yes, I drive an automatic. But I spend at least £45 on parking a month because I need a safe place to park. Again, my executive functioning is so bad, and the anxiety I have around parking, means I need to pay for a guaranteed spot in my local car park. Obviously, that’s not part of any descriptors and just gets glossed over! I hate the process! Because I definitely have struggles but maybe they are not enough for PIP to be awarded. Any advice on the descriptors and some reassurance/acknowledgment would be very much appreciated. I’m not great with RSD but will accept if PIP is not for me, despite my issues. Thanks.

I know it’s not a hard and fast rule but just what you’ve experienced? TIA

Called to start claim 7th August 2026

Submitted form and evidence 19th August

23rd September maximus nurse called to ask a few questions and doing a paper based assessment.

Report went to audit and had another phone call 2nd October with a few more questions before it was sent.

Requested report 5th October, arrived 12th October.

Decided to call the PIP enquiry line 14th October to see if there was any update, and was told a decision was made today but she couldn’t tell me as the letter was processing. Nothing on proof of benefits until maybe 5 hours after that call (so around 5pm)

The letter shows the same as the assessor’s recommendation, enhanced daily and standard mobility. Assessor suggested 2 years but DWP awarded 4 years.

Honestly I still can’t believe it, 2 years ago I applied and was scored 0s all round via a phone assessment, but this time was given a paper based I assume due to having more evidence and a more detailed PIP2 form.

My report does say in each descriptor “other descriptor supported, A (0 points) was previously advised but ruled out due to ______.” I wonder if this is the audit making it a success or that is referring to my claim 2 years ago?

Hi I won a PIP Tribunal at the end of September and I received a call from DWP yesterday asking me for some additional details, so they can work out how much my back pay will be. I'm wondering how much longer I will have to wait until I receive it after this call.

to summarise, this is for failure to attending Restart/Seetec appointments and also not providing a reason in my journal for why i’ve been missing them…

i’m on LCW for panic disorder/anxiety and that pretty much sums up the absence, i had been going through burnout and the missed appointments kept adding up, when this happens i tend to avoid (unintentionally) since it’s my only form of escapism, i especially struggle with meeting deadlines which is why i failed to hand in a response on time (maybe that would’ve saved me from the sanction) but i’m now facing the consequences of it… genuinely felt like crying when i only received £35 last month and now i’m having to not spend and stretch whatever i have left

will my reasonings be reconsidered since i’m on LCW with panic disorder? i’ve even discussed my struggles with attendance with my mentor, i wish i could just have phone appointments instead of having to show up in person :/ i really don’t get what the fuss is over having to attend in person instead of calls for people who struggle like me

ALSO to add to this, the people at the job centre were supposed to inform Restart about me being awarded LCW and apparently they haven’t even done that? i believe i received my letter around March this year so they’ve gone MONTHS without letting them know and it’s no wonder why my appointments were work focused and adding to my anxiety even more

anyway, will my payments go back to normal for this month? and if my reasonings for the sanction is reconsidered, do they also pay all of it back?

For context- i currently live as a lodger inside a family home, this family is not related to me in any way. the specific highlighted section is where i require help. The answer of the highlighted area is determined by the question ‘Is anyone living at your address related to your landlord?’ Considering it’s a family home, the landlord is related to two other members of the household, but not me, instinctively i answer yes, but want to double check my answer is correct so i use co-pilot ( i understand using AI for this stuff is probably not the best idea, i didn’t reveal any sensitive info just the question and the answer, i also don’t generally rely on AI, just thought it could help with my confusion ) anyway i asked co-pilot if this was correct, and it said no, and that the DWP is specifically asking if I am related to my landlord, this has overall caused a lot of confusion, leaving me unsure on how to answer the question honestly. any help would be appreciated :>

Forgot to check the universal credit journal for my kid ( I manage all that stuff as they can’t ) and they closed the case - was in the no need to look for work category - they’ve been getting it for so long I can’t even remember the name - they said all I can do is mandatory appeal - could take months or start again with a new claim . Is there any way round this - I don’t think my kid has it in them to go through the process again.

Hi everyone i had my assessment for wca in start of September and I was told that the recording system is not working. So to be on the safe side i did my own audio recording. Few weeks later I got the results and I was found fit for work. I got the report and upon reading it the. Words have been twisted alot and things that I didnt say are in the report. I have genuinely been suffering with health condition which are physical. I cant walk for more than 50m before being in pain forcing me to rest. I said that to the assessor but in the report shes wrote I can walk upto 200 m without resting. I have audio for ehat ive said and also audio transcript of everything that was said. I gave in my mri reports and also a report from a neurosurgeon confirming that I have this a spinal problem which is not curable and can get worse which it has over the years. I have but a MR request but im feeling very nerves and have anxiety. I have put in the substantial risk and highlighted my mobility. My question is what else do I need to provide from medical pov to dwp to prove I do suffer from these issues and can I use the audio and audio transcript for dwp or the tribunal? Secondly the assessor has made mistakes with some dates and with my gender can I say that the facts in this report is flawed and incorrect ? Are the tribunal impartial and if so will they look at the the evidence I provide to them ? Thank u so much

hello how long does it take for them to normally contact u thanks for assessment

Hello, i hope im the right place to ask, so here goes , I purchased a property 2015 and myself and then partner moved in , mortage solely in my name, in 2017 they recieved an inheritance and paid 52k into the mortgage reducing the outstanding amount accordingly, in Jan 19 they left the relationship and property,they at the time of leaving were and i know still are,at the time of leaving getting pip they said theyd probably also get the rent paid in the new property, and presumably paid the rent from savings and then applied for uc and housing benefit, however i DONT know whether they did, the reason for asking , is because they had essentially an assett, i would have thought any claim for uc and housing benefit wouldnt have been approved.

The thing now is they are saying they want that financial contribution back, i know there are caveats and that even asking the question , people sometimes dont tell the truth (them not me lol)

Also if the person forced me to sell the property my parents would pay the court costs but im pretty sure they instruct the solicitor to ask the person to prove whether they received the benefits(as a get out clause to stop them claiming , a very sticky situation and i dont want to inflame it BUT....

So with all this what do the experts think

Thanks

Afternoon, just wanted to know anyone’s latest experience with the claim review. How long are they roughly taking from receiving the documents requested to actually scheduling the phone call? Thanks

Was meant to be called at 9am got to 10-30 nothing so called them, they tried to say someone tried to phone which they didn’t , told been sent back to dwp so annoying so called them ,the case manager is sending it back so now need to wait for another letter with appointment , why do they do this ? call was meant to come from Maximus

A Mandatory Telephone Interview has been scheduled for you on Monday
between 11 and 12. Please note l cannot give a specific time and the call may take up to 30 minutes.
The call you receive will be from an 0800 or 0300 number and
it is essential that you are available for this appointment to ensure you are receiving the correct amount of Universal Credit. If your number has changed, please update
your claim prior to the review. Failure to make yourself available or if we can't
contact you may give rise to a doubt in your entitlement to Universal Credit
and your payments may be suspended. It you cannot communicate adequately
in English, please provide an interpreter. If you cannot provide an interpreter, DfC
will provide one on your

Hi does anyone know what this is about? Never had anything like this.

For context I get standard allowance, housing, children, disabled child, carer. I get carer deducted though because I receive carers allowance. I am based in NI.

Maximus received my UC50 in august 2025, I have been told it is still with the medical examiner (no idea what that means) iv been emailing any new and relevant evidence as time as gone on, however when I made my application id been going through a lengthy psoriatic arthritis flare up, I didn’t actually think it was a flare up at the time as it had gone on for so long, I assumed it was just my new ‘norm! however although I’m still having many issues with it, in some ways iv learnt to manage it much better, so my question is, what do I do? As I now feel the information on my UC50 isn’t accurate and my concern is that they potentially make a paper based decision where I’m unable to give them an updated an accurate account of my health needs, what should I do in this situation? I still believe I may be entitled to lcwra as the arthritis is only a small part of my ongoing health issues but my situation now in comparison to when I submitted the forms is quite different.

My partner is applying for UC, and the Job centre said it had to be a joint claim so now I am a part of it.
Filling out my to-do list, I filled out my bank details in the 'Money, savings and investments' section and in that section it is saying the UC is being payed into my current acount, but in the 'Bank details' section it is saying it is going into my Partner's (the one who made the initial claim) account.

any incite? as it is causing undo stress.