PIP telephone consultation

[Off7]

hi

I have a telephone consultation in a couple of weeks. I’m a bit nervous about this.

Can anyone please advise or help with what to expect., and how long it takes after that to find out if been successful.

thank you

[Dinkie]

Be prepared for them to ring earlier or later than your appointment time. Make sure your phone is not on silent and that you are available at least 30 mins before your appointment time. Have all your paperwork to hand and a drink as it is thirsty work answering endless questions.

If the assessor tries to hurry you ask them politely to let you answer. If you don't quite understand what they are asking, then ask them to repeat the question. If you need to change position, ask them to give you a minute whilst you move and get comfortable again. If you need time to answer ask them to give you time to gather your thoughts, brain fog can strike at the best of times. The assessment can last anything between 1 and 2 hours.

Try not to give yes/no answers. They need to know how you are affected by your conditions. Likewise try not to use good/bad days rather say on the days I have less pain etc.

Contrary to common belief there are some good caring assessors out there.

Good luck.

[Off7 in reply to Dinkie]

thank you, yes it’s very daunting.

It was bad enough filling in the form to start with, and having to go through this as well. But I will take on board your advice

🙂

[Dinkie in reply to Off7]

Good luck. Remember once you have received the text from DWP saying the report has been received you can phone and request a copy which should give you some idea of the points the assessor thinks you gained. If you don't get the text then leave it a week or so from the date of the appointment and then request the report.

[Hidden]

Ask for it to be recorded, and if you can also record it yourself do that too, in case their recording goes missing. As for length of time, I had a text to say my review is complete 5 weeks after my video assessment. My daughter had a text 2 weeks after paper assessment report had been received by DWP to say she had been awarded, and 5 days after that text had a payment in her bank account. So it does vary.

Good luck xx

[Coffeefan]

Hi, you can have somebody with you during your assessment who can help you, we adapt to do things our way which become normal to us but it's not and having someone with you can remind you of that. Also make sure your phone battery is full. Don't give yes or no answers. I had my assessment on march 25th and was awarded pip Monday just gone, good luck with your claim 😊 x