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Please help with PIP

Sofia_Rose profile image
11 Replies

Hi there,

This is going to take me about an hour to write because I'm so stiff.

I've just applied for PIP again, and within a week I was given a home appointment. Last time I applied I was asked to visit an assessment centre in my local town which was horrific.

It seems awfully fast paced compared to last year and it's making me feel as if they've already made their decisions.

I'm also curious to know more detail about what happens at the home visit. Do they want me to have every piece of equipment I use at the ready? Will they ask to see my room?

I'm not sure.

I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on the matter for me?

My first time applying I was turned down and was too ill to appeal it or apply again instantly. My condition has got worse, I'm never off my crutches and I can only go to work two days a week.

How many people have successful claims with FM?

Many thanks in return

S

x

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Sofia_Rose profile image
Sofia_Rose
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11 Replies

Hi I have just been through this it was all sorted two weeks after medical my first thought was the same as you but they called in for assessment a year early this time it was a home visit much better I got all my aids out hospital and doctors letter and all the appointment letters it all took 90 minutes the lady gave me time to answer any questions I gave clear direct answers tryed not to waffle on as I do when I am nervous it all turned out fine I was awarded,i had to go to appeal the first time ,just waiting now for the paperwork to come to she how long I have been awarded for ,good luck

Sofia_Rose profile image
Sofia_Rose in reply to

Hi Junebee, do you receive one letter to say you've been awarded and another letter later on to say how long for?

_Esined_ profile image
_Esined_

You must, must have a thoroughly intense read of the sort of questions and correctly worded answers before your assessment Sofia_Rose. ...here take a look at one of my posts regarding this very subject! healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor

Hi Sofia_Rose

I have pasted for you below some excerpts and a link to the CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) cache entitled: ''Preparing for your PIP assessment.'' So I sincerely hope that you find this useful:

*Talking about how your condition affects you

*You should be prepared to talk about how your condition affects you even if you’ve already detailed it on your PIP claim form. It can be hard to do this but it will really help if you can talk about:

the kind of things you have difficulty with, or can’t do at all - for example, walking up steps without help or remembering to go to appointments

how your condition affects you from day to day

what a bad day is like for you - for example, ‘On a bad day, I can’t walk at all because my injured leg hurts so much’ or ‘On a bad day, I’m so depressed I can’t concentrate on anything’

It’s a good idea to take a copy of your PIP claim form with you. That way you can refer to it in the assessment and make sure you tell the assessor everything you want them to know about your condition.

*Observations on what you say and do during the assessment

*The assessor will use the information you gave on your PIP claim form but also draw opinions from what you say and do on the day. For example, they might ask you how you got to the assessment centre. If you say you came on the bus, they’ll make a note that you can travel alone on public transport.

You might also be asked to carry out some physical tasks during the assessment. Don’t feel you have to do things in the assessment that you wouldn’t normally be able to do. If you do them on assessment day, the assessor may think you can always do them. If you’re not comfortable with something - say so.

*Take someone with you for support - In this case have somebody at home with you:

*You can take someone with you into the actual assessment if they’re 16 or over. This could be anyone who makes you feel more comfortable, like a friend, relative or carer. If you want, they can take part in discussions and take notes for you.

Include this person’s details on your PIP claim form. If you’ve already sent the form, phone the assessment centre and tell them you will have someone with you. Try to do this at least 2 working days in advance.

CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) - Preparing for your PIP assessment

citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...

I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck, and please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

in reply toTheAuthor

That advice got me through my assessment thanks Ken

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

Hi Junebee, that is wonderful to read my friend, thank you :)

Sofia_Rose profile image
Sofia_Rose in reply toTheAuthor

Hi Ken,

Thankyou for your advice, last time I applied for PIP I didn't photo copy my booklet and answers, and found that when my decision letter came through. I had scored 0 points because apparently I answered 'no' to everything. I learned my lesson, I'm got all my proof of answers.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply toSofia_Rose

Good luck this time my friend! :) :)

Beebear profile image
Beebear

Dear Sofia Rose, unfortunately I am not rec PIP, but could you not ask your GP to help you to fill the forms? I am also suffering from Fibro. I hope you get some help. Good luck from Bee.

Sofia_Rose profile image
Sofia_Rose

Hi Bee!

I asked my GP last time I applied and he informed me that they can only help with the claim of their are contacted by DWP themselves :(

Lizkel31 profile image
Lizkel31

i got on my PIP decision finally got a letter on Saturday my score was 15 points and awarded me the enhanced rate for daily living needs and 4 points for mobility needs which was not awarded from 29th March 2016 ,my DLA doesnt run out till the 24th August and i get a low rate mobility so i dont under stand what happens there ,she asked at the review how me and my Son got there my son told he paid for me to get a taxi there and was bringing me back home the decision says all my problems are down to my mental heath issues and they had reports on my condition and treatment but my mobility was not a problem as they said i was supervised at the review and didnt seem to have any difficulties in walking didnt stop of get short of breath the thing is i had a anxiety attack couldnt stop crying was in there for 90 mins just wanted to come home the report also said i had good memory on some things dont know what my son answered alot of her questions she said my fingers were showing signs of arthritis i sent in photos of my knees at there worst swelled with the reddish purple marks all over my knees and down my legs but there was medical evidence of mobility problems or medication to back the problems up because my doctor doesnt send me any were they just send my repeat prescription every month to the chemist and apart from anti depressants i get ad-cal tabs and co-codemol pain killers nothing for arthritis or osteoarthritis and osteoporosis theyve only ever sent me for 1 bone density scan 20+ years ago which was positive nothing since never been told exactly what illness ive got

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