assessment

[nannabear123]

hi thankyou for all your warm welcomes, my granddaughter has just been imformed that her pip renewel ,we filled these forms over a year ago is now being sorted and she has to have video call in two weeks we are dreading it as have heard that they are very unpleasant . Hoping it isnt as bad as the stories we have heard. to look at her she looks as fit as a fiddle until she tries to do things and it is very dificult to explain to people how her life changed after becomming ill and that every day is diferent what can be done one day can drain her so she needs extra help and lots of rest to recover .Amy advice would be very welcome as this is just one more thing to worry about .

[sassy59]

I’m sure things won’t be too bad for your granddaughter but it’s a good idea for her to write things down in advance. Also she needs to remember to talk about her very worse days as they have impact on her life. Good luck to her. Advise her to speak with confidence too and she’ll be fine. Xxx

[Bevvy]

I have had several pip telephone assessments and they were ok. Because this is via a video call I suggest she doesnt wear any makeup or dress as if going for an interview!!

Also they can last a longish time, up to an hour. She should make sure she has been to the toilet beforehand and have a drink next to her!

[Alberta56]

Best wishes and good luck. Remember not to play the brave little soldier- they need to know about your worst days. Have they had things like consultants' reports which confirm that your granddaughter is very ill? Presumably yes, but I would keep them to hand just in case. xxx

[anng18]

It's a good idea to have what you wrote for your PIP review in front of you.

If necessary, just read out what you have written, previously. Very annoying, but you do have to repeat what you have already written on the form. Take your time to answer and don't feel pushed into answering too quickly. I made the mistake of saying I'd seen the doctor once, on my own - a horrendous experience, but my husband does not really like medical situations - the assumption was I was fine to meet people face to face, at all times!

Also remember you are describing yourself, as your worse - very important!

Good luck and, as above, no make up etc.

[katieoxo60]

Hello there , you must remember that your granddaughter needs to emphasise what bad days are like including if she feels unable to cope mentally. I find it very difficult to get over too them that you do some things differently to others its not just a case of can you do them or not. I.e I cannot open jars , cans etc with out special equipment. Do you help your granddaughter? heres a simple one can she carry a cup without spilling it or does someone do it, or does she use a nonspill tray or cup .? The officers do not ask such questions you have to tell them all the things that you require help with even if you do not have help. if the person cannot walk because of ongoing pain , or breathing difficulties you have to tell them, they do not ask. If the acts of normal daily living cause symptoms to worsen that is relevent to the case also. If you have bladder or bowel incontinence then you need to say so, as that can happen at any time day or night and if you use incontinence pants. Painkillers only mask pain they do not cure the illness only lower the symptoms. If the activity someone does makes them feel iller then that counts as not able. If its difficult to do that causes emotional stress too. So you have my full sympathy in getting your granddaughters case over , without knowing the illness or disability its difficult to advise. I once took a case for someone with a rare genetic illness it was so hard as she could not even pronounce the name or me. Had to write a letter to the tribuneral but we won. And opened the door for more help for those with rare conditions. Good luck to you both xx

[watergazer]

Some great advice for your granddaughter A good idea to have everything written down that she wants to say and not to make light of anything. X

[clematis5932]

I had completed the form for Attendance allowance and was turned down. I phoned and asked why I had been refused, I was told that I had failed by just a few points and could appeal. She then asked me the question, do you need help with eating food, I replied no , she then said what did I do on a bad day, I said my husband cooks for me or we get fish and chips she then said so you do have problems with eating. She then said I now had enough points and I would receive conformation in the post. Couple of days later backdated money came into my bank.

[strongmouse]

It is worth remembering that to be assessed as able to carry out an activity to the level described in a descriptor, a claimant must satisfy the descriptor “reliably”, that is: safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in reasonable time. If she is asked the question, for instance, can you walk x amount? She should reply how frequently and safely, that is without bad side effects,, she can do it, or 'I can only do this twice a week, or I can't do it without being very out of breath and needing to rest afterwards'.

As I understand it you need to be able to do the activity for at least 50% of the time a healthy person could do it. If you can't then the answer is 'no I can't'.

[Patk1]

The last one I had was over the phone.id not worry - you've told us here,perfectly how variable her condition is. Do stress to them exactly how she is, how a gd and bad day affects her + help she needs x