I’ve been contacted for a telephone assessment on 16/2
This will be with Independent Assessment Servs. I’ve seen horrendous stories about them and when I previously applied for PIP a few years back - their twisted version of me was pretty upsetting. Since then the health has declined with my having OA stage 4 in the knee and meds for Arrythmia as well as my RA
Has anyone got any tips for dealing with these people.
I almost feel like saying to them upfront I want their full name and to read back what they are interpreting about me. I guess am glad am not being dragged to a face to face meeting though in some ways that would have been better.
Tnx
Paul
Written by
TheBoys
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I’d just add that the post the other day that I replied to will help and just add please don’t listen to anyone who tries to make you more anxious and do keep answers to the point. I’ve read on here that you don’t need to answer questions and that is true you clearly can refuse to give any information asked for. But then it just may be that the assessor can’t then proceed with the application and thus your claim could be refused. I’d urge you to read the previous post and then sit down comfortably with a drink and make notes of what you might want to say if asked but keep to the point using your copy of your application. I can’t stress enough that you can ask for any question to be repeated and if you don’t understand then say so. Also tell the assessor if you’re upset or need more time to consider the question. But try not to worry, I understand it’s difficult if you’ve previously been rejected but don’t let that make you hostile. I hope that helps and I think you can ask them to record the interview or if you have a phone that records as I do perhaps do it yourself. Although I believe you have to tell anyone you record that you are doing so. I’d make sure you have your consultants letters with you along with your prescription list, just to refer to. Best of luck and stay positive.
Hi. Just an idea but can you put your phone on speaker, and have someone with you as a witness who can also take notes. Definitely get the full name of the person from PIP. Good luck
I'm sorry I have no tips, but good luck with it. I haven't claimed it. Went with a good friend to one. However, she has ME and was fortunate to have a medical person, with experience in ME. Take care.
I have to say my PIP assessments have always been done with empathy and had no issues. Yes it’s ok to ask for their name and mine introduced themselves so it was not a battle from the start. I always go in with them with an open mind and I always tell them I have it one speaker so my hubby can listen in too for note taking.
Dont stress, i had mine 6 weeks ago & truly all went well. Dont rush answers, take your time, ask for a few mins break if needed..i had to. Let the past stay in the past regarding the last time & deal with the here & now. Write down notes before the day, so you have little reminders about things...send them all your clinic letters so they can see what the outcome of those appointments was, they then have your medical teams views too. Good luck, stay calm, all will be fine. Sending you positive thoughts.x
Don't worry about the assessment. When you receive the outcome letter you get a copy of what they have recorded about you and you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration if they do not score you correctly on a criteria or have misinterpreted what you said. Mine had mistakes always write a letter aswell pointing out the areas that are incorrect and you are not happy with correcting them.
Citizens advice website has examples of what you should get scored given the level of support/adjustments you may need for some daily activities.
It helps to know that it is about how your medical conditions effect your day to day ability to do things. Understanding how they give points for each criteria helps.
An example I gave recently is, for instance, if they ask you can you get dressed, don't simply say 'yes'. Rather say, for example, I have to take my medications for pain and inflammation first, and then wait half an hour for them to work before I start to get dressed. Then I lay my clothes out on the bed, then I .... the difference is that you may be able to get dressed but it takes much longer than a healthy person and causes you pain and difficulty.
Remember that if you can't do something safely, reliably and repeatedly at least 50% of the time then you can't do it. Hope it goes well for you.
Write down note of everything you want to say. I was asked about what aids I used,could I walk 15 meters in a certain time, do I need prompting to take my meds or any other help to take them. If they aren't clear do be afraid to ask them to repeat the question or explain what they mean . Answer in detail if you can. its not too bad an ordeal ,hope you get on OK.
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