PIP..... yet again: Yes, am going through the... - Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK

4,090 members4,663 posts

PIP..... yet again

peterallison profile image
12 Replies

Yes, am going through the procedure again (am a glutton for punishment). I have done all the form filling (with help ) and will not attend the assessment on my own, as I have done before. But after talking hearing that some of the stuff Capita says, and blatant lies they and the DWP have said., I am going to record it, as is my right, and if I get turned down again on appeal, and any lies are told by the various departments, then I can say, I did not say that, and have proof.

Has anyone recorded their assessment, and any tips ( I record music as a hobby, so an interview is no problem with a Zoom handheld recorder)

Peter

Written by
peterallison profile image
peterallison
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
12 Replies
dansybelle profile image
dansybelle

Hi peter, it’s a really good idea to record the assessment but you need to let them know and they usually have special rules about how it can be done. If you record them secretly, you won’t be able to use it as evidence. My assessment was by Atos and their rules are that you have to use two tape-recorders and hand one of the tapes to them at the end, keeping one for yourself. They don’t make it easy! Argos still sell tape recorders for £50 each. If you are near south London, I am happy to lend you mine.

You are also entitled to ask for a copy of the assessors report as soon as it’s sent to the dwp who make the final decision. Also make sure you send in as much medical evidence as you can. All the doctors and nurses I have seen have been more than happy to help by writing a letter that address the criteria. It’s a good idea to get help from voluntary organisations used to dealing with claims. I got help from fightback4justice- they were great.

Very best of luck- let me know if you want to borrow my tape-recorders.

Solidarity!

Dansybelle

peterallison profile image
peterallison in reply todansybelle

I can lay my hands on a second recorder I think

dansybelle profile image
dansybelle in reply topeterallison

That's great. Make sure you ring DWP first and tell them you want to record the assessment. Your assessment centre might have different rules for recording than mine. Good luck

Magicalwomanz profile image
Magicalwomanz in reply todansybelle

I have to go to my esa assessment again soon althou initially was told had pip until 2021 unsure why I need to fill out esa again and my freedom pass lasts me until 2023 so strange... my conditions much worse than when I first claimed as exaggerated few things as was told had to as they don’t get our condition... in my assessment I argued that no one can b expert as 1-2 in 100,000 people have this exact condition and less than 2% in the UK so how can anyone be expert and every case is different... anyway this time I have told them how it is as is worse but still added few things in... if they think u have one good day out the week u can work and live normal life which is so untrue x I am sw london btw moved from se london it’s good to meet locals with similar condition as haven’t to date yet x

peterallison profile image
peterallison in reply toMagicalwomanz

I agree with what you have said, and yes, some minor exaggeration is called for, where circumstances need it. My bug bear, is that although many have heard the general term "ATAXIA", they do not know its broken down further, into sub categories, and this is where things start to fall apart, as they deem everyone is the same, and me in particular, its a inherited gene, and the "mystical" word is "PROGRESSIVE", and they do not get that. I am a lot worse now in Feb 2019 than I was in April 2018, in terms of walking, energy and general lethargy

Magicalwomanz profile image
Magicalwomanz in reply topeterallison

I know it’s so bad how can they be expert when not that many in the UK with it makes me laugh they really haven’t clue but yeah once they start giving it’s near impossible for them to take away as it has been proven ALL cases get worse with age and can happen quickly or slowly EVERY case is different

Litty profile image
Litty

Goodluck x

I hated the whole process and Capita ended up paying me compensation (that I gave to Ataxia UK).

They hate you recording but you need to tell them. We demanded copy (very interesting reading - many discrepancies).

I think this site are good

advicenow.org.uk/guides/how...

x

peterallison profile image
peterallison

I have bought a simple voice recorder this morning, so I have 2 devices now

Alip-j profile image
Alip-j

Go for it. They want people to give up and alot of people think bugger it at the first hurdle.Prepare and be ready for them.We are waiting for a court hearing now.They have made the decision to decline your claim before you start and it's about pushing to prove you deserve it. Good luck and take it all the way.

SharonPS profile image
SharonPS

It is not illegal to record the conversation secretly but you must not publish the recording in any way or let anyone hear it (but see exception below). You can make and use such a recording for your own use. If you transcribed the recording into a document then that document may be submitted to a court as evidence and, if the accuracy of the transcript is challenged by the other side, the court may ask you to produce the recording that is the source of the transcription. This has been done in Employment tribunals - see app.croneri.co.uk/feature-a... for more information. Far better to tell them you want a recording done and follow their rules for how it is done then they have no room for maneuver.

peterallison profile image
peterallison in reply toSharonPS

I intend to do just that. I have bought another cheap voice recorder, and they can either have that, OR I can give them the SD card from my own better quality machine

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Pip assessment by telephone

I'm New Here. Telephone assessment for Pip, the professional said I held the phone to my ear for...
fcoleman-uk profile image

Pip

Hello everyone got the results of my assessment a few weeks ago now,am pleased to say I got...
murcia profile image

PIP assessment

Good afternoon Please bear with this as it’s quite long. My name is Beverley and I am 52 years...
bevvick1964 profile image

PIP assessment Ilford

Hi I am new to this forum. I have to attend a PIP assessment at Physioworld Ilford. Has anyone from...
cymruralf profile image

Can anyone please help me?

My mum was diagnosed last yr with SCA17, after 6yrs previously Mistakingly diagnosed with MSA. We...
vix86 profile image

Moderation team

See all
HarryB profile image
HarryBAdministrator
VE93 profile image
VE93Administrator
WendyBom profile image
WendyBomModerator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.