telephone PIP Assessment

[Topgunele]

Hi everyone, hope you doing ok. I will be having my telephone PIP Assessmemt this week. Just wondered if anyone else has had experience of this and what I should expect. Very anxious about it. I have COPD, Crohn’s and anxiety. Thank you in advance.

[janedivney]

I had a face to face one. You need to stress what you can’t do on a daily basis, so for one day you must remove your “positive” head. This goes against the grain for many of us. Have your copy of the application form to hand, and go through it to remind yourself of the various categories. Make a list of all the things you have difficulty with, or can’t do without help. These days, they give more weight to mental health problems, so if (for example) your anxiety means you can’t go out alone, or you panic in unfamiliar places, or worry about where the loos are, make sure you say so. Try and make sure they understand what it’s like to live your life

[Topgunele in reply to janedivney]

Thank you for your advice, I did take this on board. The assessment took 1 he 20 mins and was exhausting. Just hope I got enough across but I do feel that I was rushed in places and also answered yes and no to some questions which isn’t ideal, but we will see. Just the waiting game now 🤞

[kev60]

Hi, I agree with janedivney. It might be a good idea to write down what your worst days are like, when I was assessed we (my wife) found out I have problems with stairs, I can only do 2 steps and have to reset and do another two so can take a while and we live on the 4th floor. If the lift is out I usually stay indoors until repaired . I suffer with FND, COPD, GORD and OA of the spine . Keep calm you will get through it good luck. Kevin

[Bingo88 in reply to kev60]

So sorry to hear about your health problems and living on the 4th floor. I know you might enjoy living there but have you looked at getting a move to a more suitable place. Due to your health problems and also Health and safety issues if the lift is not working and you not being able to get outside at all. I appreciate there's a shortage of housing but surely you should be priority. Take care. Brian

[kev60 in reply to Bingo88]

On my council’s housing list have been offered 4th, 7th and 23rd floor lol. ground floor very hard to find , I am a priority because of my FND and other issues, but will keep looking thanks. Kevin

[Bingo88 in reply to kev60]

Hope they find you a bungalow or something. I know it sounds harsh. But elderly people's complexes are bungalows with some councils and they are always coming empty. Good luck. Brian

[Topgunele in reply to kev60]

So sorry to hear of your many illnesses, I don’t know how you manage, especially living on 4th floor. You are an inspiration

[Izb1]

I do sympathise with your health problems and know only too well just how debilitating Crohns disease can be as my sister suffered with this from an early age. I wish you good luck on getting pip x

[Topgunele in reply to Izb1]

Hi ther, thank you for your support. I have suffered from Crohn’s since 16, I hope your sister is doing ok. It’s such a predictable debilitating disease. And now COPD on top….along with anxiety 🙄. One day at a time. Just had my telephone assessment and I feel exhausted! Took an hour and 20 mins, don’t think I will get it as I answered yes and no on a few questions. But we will see, and there’s always the appeal process option. I am definitely exhausted though 😔

[Izb1 in reply to Topgunele]

Not surprised you are exhausted its almost like an interview and puts your nerves on edge, fingers crossed you are awarded this. My sister went through an awful time, back in 1970 not much was known about Crohns and it took a long time before being diagnosed and few operations after, she is stable now thank goodness x

[Topgunele in reply to Izb1]

Bless your sister, she’s clearly been through so much. And hard for you too no doubt having to see her suffer so much. Good to hear she is stable now. It’s good that there have been so much research into Crohn’s and colitis and more ongoing research and developments into treatment. Hopefully the future will be brighter for us with IBD x

[stravinsky1]

I've only had face to face appointments and as previously said you have to base how you are on your worst days not trying to average it out.Write down things that you want to ask and say for each section.

It may help you to have someone with you if possible for support.

[AsthmaandLung Administrator]

Hi Topgunele

I have added some links below you may find useful. If you would like to talk through this with us, do feel free to call the helpline -

asthmaandlung.org.uk/helpline

citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...

citizensadvice.org.uk/Globa...

Take care

Helpline Team

[Patk1]

I found the phone pip easier than face to face.Do stress how ea condition affects you + help u ( may) need eg another person to encourage u,accompany you,keep u safe etc.

Don't assume the caller knows or understands your conditions - they probably don't know the impact ea one has on you,so do go into detail,whn replying.

I found pip assessor v helpful,notintimidating at all. X

[Topgunele in reply to Patk1]

Hi there, thank you. can you believe the PIP assessor had COPD…. The assessment lasted 1 hr 20 mins. I did feel that some questions were rushed and I did forget to mention several things, just have to hope for best. It was emotionally draining to say the least. Do think phone assessment was probably better than doing face to face though. I get very anxious nowadays, especially being near other people. Hope you doing ok

[Yumz199725]

I was supposed to have somone come and help me with the form but they never showed up and I dont know how to contact them? And when I do send it off, I'm hoping I get a face to face appointment cause I don't do well with phone calls get to nervous and my mind goes blank! 💔😐. Hope you get a good result sounds like you really need it! Wish you all the best 🥰.

[Topgunele in reply to Yumz199725]

Thank you. It lasted 1 hr 20 mins and was very emotionally draining but just have to hope for best now. Otherwise I will consider going down the appeal route. Good luck with yours. Please listen to peoples advice on here, everyone on here is lovely and full of amazing comments. Take care x

[Germantara]

I hope you get a good result it is stressful but will be worth it to help with you're health needs

[Topgunele in reply to Germantara]

Thank you ☺️ The assessment lasted 1 hr and 20 mins do was exhausting but do feel that the assessor rushed me in places so I forgot to mention some things that I feel were important. Been advised will take up to 8 weeks for decision