Has anyone had the PIP assessment over the phone? How did it go and what should I expect? Feeling nervous......

[Amethyst1986]

PIP anxiety depression ulcerativecolitis pain

[blackcat64013]

Hi, I had to research the term PIP because I was not familiar with it in Australia. We do have GP mental health plans which we create after interviews about how we are functioning and what our needs are. I found the hardest thing is being brutally honest about the degree I am affected (how I am functioning or not) and the guilty feeling of asking for help. Something really hard to explain.

So the outcome for me has been positive, tapping into community based programs and advice about claiming for disability support if required. I have a review in 3 months so I need to remember that I should take my own advice 🤔

[Amethyst1986 in reply to blackcat64013]

Thank you for replying! And totally understand what you mean.. I don’t like asking for help but it came to a point where I was really struggling and had no choice but to ask for help. Glad it’s been positive for you

[kenster1 in reply to Amethyst1986]

hi not had experience myself but i know from someone else they had 3 different assessors on the phone conducting the interview.

[Amethyst1986 in reply to kenster1]

O wow.... I wonder why so many of them??

[kenster1 in reply to Amethyst1986]

yeah i think all these are designed to unsettle folk because of the set up and nature of the questions but stick to your guns don`t be put off by anything.

[Amethyst1986 in reply to kenster1]

Thank you! Will try and do that

[jqmunro2001]

I had my telephone interview yesterday at 1.15 following initial application 6th Feb. Was advised would last around an hour, ended up 2hrs 20 mins, then called back an hour later to clarify a few points, another 20 minutes. So many questions my head still hurts, she even took time out to answer the door for the delivery of a jumper!

Interviewer was professional at all times and apologised for the duration, just wanted to get all the details right. Needless to say totally drained today.

[Amethyst1986 in reply to jqmunro2001]

I had mine the other day and was pleasantly surprised at how well it went, but yes totally understand the feeling of being drained! Luckily mine was just over an hour.

Very well mannered lady and gave me time to answer the question properly. Didn’t feel rushed at all, just annoying that the signal kept dropping in and out! Hope you get the results you want! 😊