I've been waiting 8 months...

[bexx87]

And my pip assessment is happening over the phone next week and the only think I can remember is I didn't scan a copy of it so I can't remember the answers I put down which has stressed me out but I thought they had forgotten about it

[Wazza84]

Hiya bexx87

It a bit weird havin telephone assessments etc.. how can they asses a person over the phone? How do they even know it’s the person who needs PIP? My neuropsychology assessment are via phone calls and I can’t make much sense about it... it’s crazy times 🙄

[bexx87 in reply to Wazza84]

Hello,

Pass

I last had contact from them in November 2019 and it was to tell them I couldn't get down to Weston from Bristol at morning rush hour as it was a stupid request to expect me to carry out on public transport so she kindly said she would try and re arrange my appointment.

This is the text;

This is a message from Independent Assessment Services about your PIP claim. A telephone consultation has been booked for you on Thursday *blank* June at 2:15pm. We will call you at your appointment time. We do not need to see you in person. You will receive an appointment letter from us and can find out more on our website: mypipassessment.co.uk. Data charges may apply. If you can't make this appointment, please call or textphone us straightaway.

[bexx87 in reply to bexx87]

If you go to the site it says:

From the 23rd March 2020, all our Assessment Centres will be closed to the public. This is aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to Coronavirus and safeguarding the health of individuals claiming health and disability benefits.

In light of the current Coronavirus outbreak, the Department for Work and Pensions has taken the precautionary decision to temporarily suspend all face-to-face consultations for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from Tuesday, March 17.

This is to safeguard the health of vulnerable individuals by reducing unnecessary risk of exposure to Coronavirus. This measure is for three months and will be regularly reviewed by the DWP.

If you already have a consultation arranged with Independent Assessment Services (IAS), you do not need to attend. We will contact you to discuss your appointment and explain the next steps.

If you have made a claim for PIP but do not have a date for a consultation with IAS, you do not need to do anything. We will contact you shortly by telephone or letter to let you know what will happen next.

If you are already receiving PIP, you will continue to receive your current payments as normal. DWP continues to accept all new PIP claims.

The current NHS guidelines on Coronavirus, including advice on those who should stay at home, can be found here.

[Wazza84 in reply to bexx87]

I understand why telephone appointments are a must at this time but I don’t understand how they can asses people physically

[Nackapan in reply to Wazza84]

When I went in person 3 times with my daughter they didnt assess her physically as wernt medically trained to do so. It was questions from a script. She didnr get enough points!! A wheelchair user. Passing out as has POTs and PA and HEDS.

Lost a film time teaching post.

It's a tick box exercise. Even the judge on appeal said it is a flawed system.

[Wazza84 in reply to Nackapan]

I read that they start to asses fist by asking how you got there etc.. if you were to say you walked they’ll fail you or if you say you took a long bus ride they might think you’re capable of takin a bus to work..

[Nackapan in reply to Wazza84]

Yes mind games. They watch you like a hawk. Its demeaning .

Take care . Dint let it upset you.

I'm sure the start of my illness was the stress and total injustice . Alsi my daughter got worse through the process. She scored zero points twice. The court awarded 4 points.

The court didnt even have wheelchair access! Another test perhaps. She could never had gone alone as wouldnt have got in!@

[Wazza84 in reply to bexx87]

I’m not sure how far Bristol to Weston is but if you get a bus they’ll probably say you’re not eligible.. I read so much on here about people sayin they’ve had to appeal their decision coz they’re “capable” they’ve really tightened down 🙄

[bexx87 in reply to Wazza84]

It's roughly a 2 hour bus journey

Driving distance from Bristol to Weston-super-Mare is 23 miles

[Wazza84 in reply to bexx87]

2 hours is a long time to travel on a bus especially if you get fatigued easy

[bexx87 in reply to Wazza84]

I'm dreading it as I imagine they are going to think you have a full time job so your capable

[Wazza84 in reply to bexx87]

All I can say is good luck 👍🏻

[bexx87 in reply to Wazza84]

Thanks

[Nackapan in reply to bexx87]

Dont raise expectations. It's an awful assessment. Take care and stay strong if unsuccessful. My daughter got more I'll from it and down as unbeliever as dudnt fit tick box system. She could not have gone alone. Not safe. That journey sounds ridiculous.

[New_beginning]

Hope all goes as expected next week write up good days/bad days with all daily living tasks, accessing the community, medication, finances and what support you need, or who supports you. Professional involved.

[bexx87 in reply to New_beginning]

No professionals support me but thanks

[New_beginning in reply to bexx87]

You have GP

[bexx87 in reply to New_beginning]

True but I rarely see them

[jacxx in reply to bexx87]

Get in touch with your local or national headway, they can help. Good luck xxx

[Shushy in reply to bexx87]

My husband had no professional involved as it’s so long since his accident. He got 0 points at assessment or appeal so we went down the tribunal route. We Got his old medical records from the GP (you just need to request them), letters from people who know him stating how is is now, and then paid for an up to date neurologist report. We had a call last week and they’ve reinstated his pip after 6 months of stress and worry. It turns out they virtually disregarded his pip assessment (bu a non health professional) and used the evidence from his earlier ESA assessment (carried out by a trained OT) . I would say if they do turn you down (and hopefully they won’t), gather every scrap of information you can. Ask for those old records, get friends and family to write statements about you and get support from headway or CAB.

[Nackapan in reply to Shushy]

Yes my daughter finally got ESA not PIP though which opens so many doors. Did get a disability parking blue badge which is really helpful for hospital appointments. All like tih say after months and months of stress making her more I'll.

[Nackapan in reply to New_beginning]

Yes get advise from CAB. It did help us but can.

[bexx87]

Well its over now, it ended with me saying ive been waiting 8 months for this and he said thats the longest time hes heard anyone wait, I said they wanted me to go to weston but I refused and he said he doesnt blame me, when I spoke about how my depression did make me feel suicidal a few months back he said I could get hold of the crisis team and all I said was thank you and I said the depression made me stop eating and I lost weight but Ive only put it back on because my neighbor cooks for me

[New_beginning in reply to bexx87]

I hope you get a good night sleep. You have a good neighbour supporting you. You have followed this through for 8mths you should be proud of yourself. I've only just sent form off for my husband last week, I'm freaking out already about decision and hoops to fight which at this stage energy so low but you have brought insight on what to expect and real timeframe.

Good luck with the outcome, hope to hear your good news soon.

[bexx87 in reply to New_beginning]

Thanks