Hi lovely people, my phone pip interview is on Thursday. Any hints would be appreciated. I was refused last time. Thank you 🙏

[debjw]

Phone pip interview

[medway-lady]

Sit down with a cup of tea and write down what you want to say. Use bullet points to jog your memory so if asked how far can you walk you don't say ' oh I'm not sure " don't forget that although It can be obvious looking at a worst day its best to keep it factual not a waffle of ifs and buts. Be concise, accurate and don't be rushed in answering. The other person will be typing or writing up your response so may ask you to repeat stuff its not always to trap someone but they're following an interview and you know the answers but they don't. Sometimes a question might seem silly and I know that might seem obvious but its surprising how many people can talk at 10 miles an hour but few can write or type that fast. lol Writing something down as an aide memoir helps to focus on things, so you feel more confident when replying to a question. I'd add that when they ring sit down and talk to them as standing can make things rushed and don't panic and best of luck. I can't comment on how to respond as like all benefits its a complex application based on every individuals circumstances but generally I'd say be patient, give clear answers and be concise and keep a record of what you've said too. So write down as many details of the conversation as you can so that you can be sure your determination is based on a true record of the interview.

PS Did you keep a copy of your application as it would be a good idea to reread it prior to the call.

[debjw in reply to medway-lady]

Hi and many thanks for your brilliant reply. Yes ive kept a copy of my application. I will definitely use your pointers. I'll keep you posted.

[medway-lady in reply to debjw]

Good luck and they are just doing a job and sometimes take a lot of abuse. From personal experience sometimes it just does you in listening to angst all day, every day so its understandable sometimes someone can sound hard. You have to harden yourself or you'd make yourself ill. So be prepared and also say if you don't understand a question as they are mostly trying to help even if it may not obviously seem that way. Anyway best of luck again and let us know how you get on.

[Soundofmusic52]

I agree with Medway and Ajay how long before you can apply again I was turned down 2 yrs ago 🤬

[debjw in reply to Soundofmusic52]

Hi i was refused two years ago. My Consultant and G.P. despair and i have brilliant supporting letters from them. I didn't appeal though.

[madme1]

Don't give up, think about what you want to say. Focus not so much on naming your illness, but how it affects your everyday life, breaking it down into stages. How do you feel on waking, moving to get out of bed, going to the bathroom, eating drinking, side effects of meds and anything else you do. How have you had to change it etc, can you still do the things you used to? Don't forget to mention if things have become worse etc. Also tell them if you have to move a lot when sitting. If you feel lonely, worried anxious etc. It's alright saying be honest and be yourself and I would never say you shouldn't be but don't forget the mental and physical impact of the last 18 months.

[debjw in reply to madme1]

Thank you so much for replying. You have given me some brilliant advice which I shall apply.

[madme1 in reply to debjw]

I was refused last year and I went into a downward spiral, with not get appts needed and not having infusion for about 3 years. I lost about £300.00 a month, but with a counsellors support, I got in touch with Welfare Rights. I spoke to a lady there who said I just needed to tell her what I wanted to say she would type it all out for me, for my husband to transfer onto the form. So it was my own words just better put. I sent the form in and had a call from the assessor, who after lots of questions still, said Do you know what Deb, I'm just going to give you the money." You've just lost your mum and are going through enough already. I was shocked and cried. She told me they are even now making decisions over the phone. Hope this happens for you.

[debjw in reply to madme1]

Very pleased for you. Fingers crossed!

[madme1 in reply to debjw]

Good luck for Thursday debjw.

[debjw]

Hi and thank you so much. I have copied what you have said and I will apply it. Can you appeal a decision from a telephone appointment? is it a good or a bad thing that they don't want to see me?

[debjw]

Thank you 🙏

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