Had my pip assessment today...

[trudym]

The assessor turned up 25 minutes late, by which time I was hyperventilating with anxiety & stress. The lady wouldn't give permission to record it unless I'd asked Capita first & had recording equipment (cassette recorder or cd recorder) & could give her a copy...

She seemed to repeat questions but slighted worded differently - to catch me out?

Trying to prove I have mental health conditions as well as nerve problems, fibro, anxiety, etc was ridiculous.

I don't think she believed me... Any how, I probably won't hear anything for 4-5 weeks, so I'm going to fretting about the outcome until I hear from them...😒

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer]

It's common practice for them to ask the same questions, only worded slightly differently. They do this with all claimants, so it's not just you.

Remember, if you're turned down you can appeal, and the success rate is quite good for people winning their appeals.

Good luck.

[trudym in reply to M0AL61]

Thanks! I had to appeal my first DLA assessment 2013 & my first PIP 2015 too, so I'm resigned to the fact that I'll have to do it it a third time...😒

[Al10]

Time to stop fretting and distract yourself for the wait. Whatever will be will be now. Hope it went better than you think.

[trudym in reply to Al10]

Thanks, me too!🤞🏻

[Hidden]

yes I know what you mean with questions in different format, that is sly when most fibro suffereres have brain fog, my younger sister is having assessment on 22nd and I am going with her. I think another pair of ears is a better option than taping..Dont worry yourself more about the outcome, if you just get basic allowance its better than nothing and then you can appeal later..

[trudym in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reassurance. My daughter( who also helps care for me) was with me & reminded me of stuff & say the words I couldn't think of. In my first assessment in 2013, the dr wrote a load of lies & I appealed - went from getting nothing to enhanced DLA?! The paramedic who did my first pip assessment (in front of my Mum) also put words in my mouth & said I did exercises he set me easily, when I hadn't done any coz he could see the pain I was in...?! I was awarded standard (low) & did a written appeal - I lost that so Mum & I did a formal appeal in front of a panel of a solicitor, dr & someone else (can't recall). They had me in tears, wouldn't let Mum speak & again I lost. When my health, mental ability & mobility are declining fast & I am far worse than 2013 yet get awarded a pittance ... so unfair!!!

[trudym in reply to Hidden]

Good luck for your sister on the 22nd🤞🏻

[rosiebud]

sounds like my own. I got standard for both and am appealing as lies were told. The report sounded like it was for someone else. Certainly not me.

[trudym in reply to rosiebud]

Yeah my reports definitely weren't about me!?!🤷🏻‍♀️🤥!

[releasethemagic]

Nationally over half of appeals are won and in some areas like the Midlands where Capita do the Assessments it has reached 75% at times. Let's hope you get the award you deserve. But if you don't there's lots of help in the postings on here on how to approach a Mandatory Reconsideration and Appeal. Also on how to register a formal complaint with Capita about the quality of the work. Don't let the stress and anxiety put you off. Just treat it as a set of tasks to complete in stages. You start by getting a copy of the Assessor's report, not just DWP's decision letter that quotes from it, and mark all the mistakes, errors and omissions. A lot of people refer to "lies" but language likes that works us all up, and does not help to challenge these reports. We all do best when we stay calm and are more likely to be listened to. I know it's easy to say and I got worked up during my Appeal, but they really did listen and I won mine, going from no Daily Living to Enhanced Rate while keeping my mobility Enhanced award.

[trudym in reply to releasethemagic]

Thank you for your reply. It's unreal how you went from the assessment getting nothing to enhanced - surely the DWP must see there's a pattern of this happening & ought to note which assessors have a high rate of it & should re train or discipline them...?! I can't help but worry about their decision coz I'm a nervy woman at the best of times🙄

[jetgirl]

What a nightmare I hope you get the PIP and can distract yourself from the wait. I hate how the system makes people suffer even more than we are already.

[trudym]

Thank you & I totally agree - we suffer enough without them adding to it...😖