pip telephone consultation

[freedom2017]

has anyone been given pip with fibromyalgia, I have a telephone consultation after waiting weeks for a reply, and I’m really nervous, anyone been awarded pip after a telephone consultation? Thank you

[Debsdelight72]

Hi freedom2017,

I was given the enhanced mobility and daily living after face to face, not for having Fibro though, It's not how it works, Of course I mentioned it and put that I do suffer with it,

It's not based on weather you have it or not, It's based on how different things make you feel and how difficult it is to do some pretty basic stuff, Please don't make the mistake of just putting down that you have Fibro because it won't get you very far

Take care Debs

[Mrdiagnosis]

I think sometimes we get bogged down in the language and the process .

What I think your asking is has anyone been given PIP when the only thing they have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia ?.

As Debsdelight72 explains PIP is determined by how your situation or conditions affect your daily life. Some people suffer greatly from Fybro and some have less pain less issues . So when you fill in the forms or speak to an assessor it is dependant on how your condition (s) affect your daily life . However a basic answer would be yes you can get PIP if your only condition is Fibromyalgia, if that condition is gauged to affect your daily life enough to meet the criteria for recieving PIP.

I hope that helps .

[Africanmonkey]

Yes I did get mine over the phone but 6 months later I had to go for a medical appointment with their Dr.But now I am waiting again for it to be renewed it's been over 2 years and all I keep getting are txts saying we are looking into it still. So I don't know if I will keep it or not.

[redkite55 in reply to Africanmonkey]

I had the same when mine was due to be renewed. It was due last August and kept getting texts they would keep paying me until March 2025, then in July this year I got a text that my review had been done and the next one would be in 2027. No mention of a phone call or seeing someone, I did ask my Dr if they had got in contact with him but they hadn't.

[YoungAndPainful in reply to redkite55]

And this is why I NEVER leave it for THEM to get evidence from my Dr's. It's more added stress to the application process but they are notorious for not requesting the evidence. I get all mine and my partner goes through and high lights the parts that back up my statements

[LhasaMomma]

When is your telephone consult? And excuse my asking, but what are your illnesses?

[Africanmonkey in reply to LhasaMomma]

If you are asking me, I don't know what is going on just now I have to wait for txt messages or a letter telling me what is happening. I hope I can still get it as I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis in my knees and hands now. My right knee is in a brace and sometimes I have to put my left knee in one also. I have all the added problems from fibromyalgia so now I have stickers all over the house to remind me and a big diary

[LhasaMomma in reply to Africanmonkey]

So, I would politely suggest a notebook and pen ..... Carry it with you for the next few days and write down each and every time something takes you longer or is difficult or impossible to do as a result of your disability. I took my notebook with me on my last interview and when she asked certain questions, I was able to say ..... "Over a three day period ..... This, this, this, and that caused me difficulties". She looked a bit shocked and then said .... "I do wish more people did this".

Remember, you are offering evidence of how your disability has affected your life negatively rather than evidence of having a disease or illness. So the latter would be ..... "My leg is in a brace and my knee swells as a result of Fibromyalgia. That gives me pain" ..... For your interview, the former is better ..... "My leg is in a brace and my knee swells as a result of Fibromyalgia which makes it impossible to easily climb in and out of a car and totally impossible to walk around town anymore .... I now have to use a rented mobility scooter".

Hope that this helps!

[freedom2017 in reply to LhasaMomma]

I have fibromyalgia and my appointment is next week. I also have osteoarthritis on my hands

[LhasaMomma in reply to freedom2017]

As I suggested above, keep a notebook for a few days. Remember you are not staying your illnesses but the problems they cause you in living a normal life.

[Lillylilac]

Hi thereI got Standard PIP and only have Fibro. I had a face to face.

With a telephone assessment make sure you are comfortable, have a drink with you. A pen and note book. Your phone is fully charged. Have a copy of your application with you so you can refer to it. If you can have someone who knows how you struggle with you. They can't speak for you but can prompt you.

Answer questions as if on your worst day.

Never say sometimes as in, I can sometimes do this. Make sure it's, I can do this about 3 times a week but can't do any more. Or I can do this but it takes me twice as long and then I have to rest for the rest of the day.

They don't know you and if you don't tell them, they will just persume you are fine doing that activity.

Sometimes they will leave out questions that they should ask and persume you can do it. Make sure you remember to inform them of everything.

I know its a faff but if you do your homework then it will go ok.

You've got through the first hurdles so good luck.

Hugs Lilly x

[freedom2017 in reply to Lillylilac]

thanks so very much for your reply, I appreciate the advice, and it has given me some very important insight into how they think. I sometimes talk too much when I’m anxious, so obviously I am afraid that I’d say something, and they’ll take it the wrong

Thank you again, and I will definitely keep your advice in mind, and I appreciate the help.

just one more thing, how can I see my application, I tried to see it online, however, it doesn’t seem to allow me to see it. Sorry if I’m being a pain 😊

[Lillylilac in reply to freedom2017]

Hi,You are certainly not a pain, I really feel for you its a horrible thing for everyone to go through when you feel so ill.

Many people take copies of their application so they remember what was written. Never mind just try and write notes to each descriptor for reference. You might not need them but they are handy to have. There are websites that can inform you and give advice on the questions and answers needed. I use benefitsandwork.co.uk. I find them extremely helpful.

Most of all try not to worry, easier said than done I know.

🤗

[freedom2017 in reply to Lillylilac]

Ahhh thank you so very much for your kind reply, I have looked at the website, and it is very helpful, and informative. I will take onboard your advice.

Once again, thank you

[Jan0860]

I have took two applications a Nd a review but got standard pip and low rate mobility

[freedom2017 in reply to Jan0860]

Thank you for your reply, I would be happy if I got that too, so fingers crossed

[FibronewbieJab]

All you need to do is be truthful as to how it affects you on a daily basis. Also if you need help with every day tasks and how much help you need getting things done.

[freedom2017 in reply to FibronewbieJab]

Thank you for your reply, I agree, being truthful is definitely the only way forward.

[MistyMints]

Hi! Yes I have recently been re-awarded after assessment for PIP with the same conditions by telephone consultation. Make sure you're answers directly relate to the question asked and not generally. If you have to repeat that information for a different question then do so. Good luck,!

[freedom2017 in reply to MistyMints]

Thank you for your reply, reading the replies has made me feel a lot better. I appreciate your helpful advice as I feel so much more confident regarding the phone call. Thanks again

[Midori]

The DWP go by what you can do, rather than any condition you have.

Cheers, Midori

[freedom2017 in reply to Midori]

Thank you, that does seem to make sense. I will bear that in mind when I have my telephone consultation. Thanks again for your advice, will bear that in mind.

[Estivaliz]

I have, I got the enhanced rate for both mobility and care. I do have other conditions aside from fibromyalgia and ME/chronic fatigue. The phone call was 2 hours and she had to half way for break as I couldn’t concentrate and then was getting dizzy. Make sure you have a copy of your PIP form with you as they asked me a lot of questions about what I wrote there also give as many examples of how things are difficult day to day as you can think of

[freedom2017 in reply to Estivaliz]

Thank you so much for your very helpful advice. I will take on board everything that you have said. You have given me very useful advice, and I am so grateful.

[Estivaliz in reply to freedom2017]

your welcome, all the best 👍