Pip change of circumstances review

[Chocoronnie]

I've been on pips a year - just standard daily living, but I've progressively gotten worse (I have fibro, psoriatic arthritis, bulging discs, plus many more) so I contacted pips to advise of change of circumstances. Now my telephone appointment is tomorrow morning but I have a terrible habit of 'playing down' my problems. Does anyone have any tips on how I can keep focused and not 'dismiss' my issues? Some days I'm mobile, more than often I am not.

[CM1EDSUK]

PIP is how you are the majority of days. You've indicated that most days you have difficulty with your mobility, so try to say exactly why this occurs.

In general, you should have a look through your claim form for this change of circumstances beforehand. Don't just answer questions with a 'yes' or 'no.' It's really important to give as detailed a response as you can.

It's incredibly easy, as you've indicated, to almost 'dismiss' your issues, as claimants often are so used to the ways they cope, which others without a disability just wouldn't have to do.

Think about where you struggle, where you need help, even if you don't get that help.

If you can give a couple of really detailed examples as to where you encounter difficulties, this will help the assessor to better understand, i.e. where were you, when did this happen, what exactly happened, did anyone else see this, & were there any consequences to attempting to do/doing any applicable activity/descriptor, such as increased pain or fatigue?

Good luck.

[Mrdiagnosis]

What I did was get some A4 paper and write with a large marker pen words or phrases to keep reminding you that it's about your life and being able to function for the majority of the time.If it's a video call I used blue tack and stuck them to the wall out of sight of the camera but so I could glance at them to Remind me how this impacts my life .

They don't know you only you do so its about having tools to help support your own thinking.. there are many people on here and posts about what to say and how to phrase it. Good luck stay happy.