PIP assessment

[jr1972]

PIP assessment! I finally have a date to go,4th August. I thought my stepmum in law could go with me but she's busy,im dreading going on my own as I don't have good articulation when trying to explain things. I have Asthma and Bronchiectasis with a bout of sciatica and I know that I will just get confused and lose my train of thought. Is there any tips you could give me and any paperwork I should take as I have nothing apart from my PIP form. Thanks in advance xx

[stone-UK]

Hi

Go to pinned post, on right of screen "useful links" scroll down there's a section on PIP assessment.

[jr1972 in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you! x

[KeefyGee]

I would take a notebook with proposed answers for questions you may or may not be asked. All paperwork from your GP with prescription forms is all helpful. Another helpful idea is to take time and think about your answers before articulating them to the inquisitor, as sometimes they will ask the same question but phrased differently, so ensure your answers are the same. If you find stairs difficult, tell them and ask for the lift or assistance with the stairs. Be helpful but do not do things such as touching your toes if it results in loss of breath, dizziness. Be truthful but guarded. Do well and good luck.

[jr1972 in reply to KeefyGee]

Thank you! x

[Offcut]

I had mine at home luckily, but be aware that they may be watching you on the day even outside of the assessment centre ( by their own street cctv)? It is important that you only talk about your bad days do not say on a good day only on a better day. It is the little things like that that seems to go against you. If they ask you to do something that you cannot do or gives you discomfort then say so NO! Do not take any notice if they keep saying just try and see. They cannot make you do anything you cannot. One of the mobility criteria is 20 metres walk distance ( which in my opinion is stupid) It is important that if you cannot get to 20 metres "Without severe discomfort" then your mobility is impaired and meets the criteria. Some seem to imply that doing over 20 metres is an instant fail on that section it should not be. Also worth asking them what they know about your conditions?

I would go through your PIP form and what you said to make sure that you reply in the same way. Also jot down what they say as much as possible as when they write it up it can get a little off script.

If you fail do not give up 60% of those that appeal win!

I had my letter telling me that they are now reviewing my case after my assessment which was 8 weeks ago.

Just thought after posting put as much paperwork of your conditions Doctors letters etc. copied and give it to them as evidence.

Be Well and good luck.

[jr1972 in reply to Offcut]

Thank you! Can I ask my doctor to write a letter on how my condition affects me? I don't really have any paperwork as such.

[Offcut in reply to jr1972]

You can however most doctors charge for this service. You can explain to him/her what you are doing and as part of the process they (DWP) can ask your doctor their opinion anyway ( At no cost to you). But under the new rules they have the right to ignore this as it could be a biased diagnosis?????

You must remember that it is you that is affected by your conditions. I am out of breath on my own stairs becuase of my PR and multi-problems. But my peak flow reading would indicate differant?

[sheila1kerry]

You have beenngiven some great advice, there is one thing i would add, there is a website called " benefits&work" they give out the best advice ever. I personally had a two year long fight with dwp but with the help i received from this website i finally got them to understand just how bad i was. Good luck with your appointment.

[jr1972]

Thanks,I'll check out that website x

[Ergendl]

Good luck for the 4th.