PIP assessment

[NLBC]

Hi I need some advice. I have a pip assessment on Friday but I have no one to accompany me. I have osteoporosis and trapped nerve in neck that cause severe pain numbness in my right shoulder and arm. Nothing can touch against my right arm without pain and electric shock. Even my clothings are a problem Also the dreaded fibromyalgia with all it’s accompanied ailments 😔

Do you think if I showed up unaccompanied this will go against me ? I don’t really no what to do as I hear you are marked down if you can walk in by yourself ?

[blueyes2949]

I had a pip assessment a week ago, I went with my sister and found the process very emotionally difficult and that's with some one so I feel for you having to do this on your own, advice I can offer is show them your worst day, as the assessment is so short I can see no other way than taking yourself there with all your issues laid bare for them to clearly see, or explain explain explain take your time don't feel pressured into hurrying the process, explain in as much detail as you possibly can its not the diagnosis or disability they really want to hear its the effects it is having on you so try your best to get that across on every question you get asked, although I found my assessment would of gone on forever if explained all issues so if you feel like this make sure u get most important issues to you out there first so you don't forget, also I wrote 3 pages of how my conditions effect me to pass on to assessor as felt they would have something to look at, as my conditions have endless symptoms and was worried they might not take it all into account, I marked each page with my name date and national insurance number and assessor seemed pleased when I handed it to her so I'm glad I did it for my peace of mind. I am awaiting decision now so cant say whether it helped although it helped me get through assessment, fingers crossed I have result I deserve/need.

don't worry be prepared and good luck xxx

[Hidden in reply to blueyes2949]

you did it right blueyes2949 explaining how each illness affects our daily lives is what they are looking for not what ails us.I too have a word document of all my ills and how they affect me,, going on your own is not a bad thing it just means someone witnesses what is said, brain fog is a nightmare for sufferers and so a list or word document is really helpful,, like has been suggested a taxi to the door (because they will ask you how you got there) and ask for assistance to the asessment room if you fell you need it..

[waylay in reply to blueyes2949]

I wouldn't do it on your worst day. Describe a bad day, an average day, and a good day, and tell them approximately how many you have of each.

[Golfer15]

Hi, it might be too late, but you can ask for a home visit. I had one and my wife was with me too. It took away the stress. Good luck.

David

[Nottingham311]

Make sure you take a taxi if you can they will ask you how you got there...also tell the assessment person that you are recording the assessment because they love to lie about this...🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽for you

[waylay in reply to Nottingham311]

Unless you've done the whole requesting it to be recorded and bringing your own specialized equipment, you can't record it. Technically. Of course, if you happened to have a mini-recorder in your jacket pocket and it *gasp* somehow got turned on.... Well. But don't tell them you're doing it. They'll tell you to stop, and if you don't they'll end the assessment, and you'll most likely lose your benefit. It's perfectly legal for you to record it, tho.

[NLBC]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I just have to take a taxi and hope for the best 😔

[MavG]

I have never been thro this awful situation and it would seem easier if someone could go with you. What I think will be important is to make notes of everything your health makes difficult for you. I am sure there will be more info from those who have experienced this, it’s time something was done about this struggle to get financial help when people are struggling to cope with poor health.

Take good care of yourself. Mav 🐬

[waylay in reply to MavG]

You can also take a copy of your form with you, and refer to it during the assessment.

[fusedesigns]

Just make sure the taxi drops you very close and say that’s how you got there. I went in by myself and it was fine. It is only if you are claiming you cannot cope going anywhere by yourself that it is a problem. I had a very kind understanding man and was awarded the appropriate amount of Pip I think. Very good luck for today xxx

[Bjosephine]

you have enough problems just tell them and they will see how bad you are surely? everyone seems so stressed out it's wrong - I think from what I have seen in the media it is getting better and you have to appeal if they turn you down.. I feel for you but don't allow yourself to feel bad about applying for the help you need

[waylay in reply to Bjosephine]

Sometimes it's OK, and sometimes it's really, really not. :/

[goldie67]

My daughter took me to the interview in her car parked outside and i went in myself hun i explained what its like on a daily basis and the struggles i have and how it makes me feel i got my pip for daily living component but not for mobility good luck

[NLBC]

Thank you all for sharing. I am truly nervous as I feel like I am not in control of this situation. The doctors have given me some sleeping tablets to help me sleep and some tablets for my blood pressure as it is high. But I have to try my best to cope and not be too overwhelmed

[waylay in reply to NLBC]

Ugh. Can't write anymore. Tramadolized. There are multiple guides on the web. I think BenefitsandWork has the best guides. You have to pay £20 to get membership for a year, but then you can download all kinds of helpful stuff.

Message me if you need more after getting a guide. 😬

[Mdaisy in reply to NLBC]

Benefits & Work is a great site as waylay says but before subscribing I would urge you to message the FMAUK Benefits Advisor, all contact details below;

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...