Hi Everyone, finally got my letter for a phone appointment from DWP re my PIP claim, bricking it as usual! Anyone able to give any info/tips on what to expect please? Had a lot of problems health-wise lately, condition seems to be getting worse but am in contact with Consultant team at hospital. Haven't posted often as don't want to be a pain - love reading all your posts though.
Stay safe my lovelies. xxx
Hi Kimlu - I found the telephone appointment for PIP assessment really easy this time and not at all stressful as was my first experience when I attended in person a few years ago.
If your forthcoming telephone assessment is going to be anything like mine was I'd just say relax, and answer the question just how it is, I found there was a lot of yes and no questions so that made things a lot easier for me with brief explanations and it also made the time go really quickly.
Good luck stay safe and well.
Best wishes BK
You would never be considered a pain Kimlu 🙂
I have only attended in person but I would imagine the process is pretty much the same.
Remember it is not what your condition is but how it affects your daily care and mobility. If you have a copy of your application, it might be an idea to look through it. We get so used to our new norm and want to feel positive generally but looking over it jolts you into reality.
Actually I would never answer just yes or no to the DWP. Whilst being honest, you need to elaborate with them. Eg: If they ask you can you shower and you say Yes - no points. You will need to let them know if it takes you longer than normal and you need to take breaks for pain, breathlessness or whatever applies to you. Same with walking 20-50m. You may well be able to do it but may need assistance or need to stop for whatever reason applies to you.
Good luck and I hope it works out well for you.
Love cx
Thank you, really helps to hear from other people xxx
Hi Kimlu,
Hope all goes well! My form had to be in September 6th and still no news for phone consultation! I’m really nervous too! I hate talking on the phone but probably come across as quite confident , but actually have really bad anxiety! I had loads of medical reports to send them. Like Cofdrop says, remember to explain how it is...worst day scenario!
Dee 😊
Hi Dee, they received my form in August so hopefully you should hear from them soon. The whole thing seems an ordeal but it would make such a difference to get some help - I've had no income and rely on husbands pension and a small private one, the house is beginning to fall down lol - well not quite but floorboards have been up in the bathroom for months because of a leak we can't fix. Anyway I'll keep my fingers crossed you hear soon xxx
take short breaks to catch your breath if need be. If they move on to the next section and you’ve still relevant things to say, just advise you need to add more. Know the sections and the impact/restrictions it causes. Try not feel pressured and verbalise what’s needed. Any aids need to be mentioned or if you need to get specific ones. It’s like a reverse job interview, it’s the negative effects. There are some good guidance on the internet and in the answers already given. Best of luck
Be truthful. Dont talk about good days let them know about your breathing problems what medication you have and mention about oxygen. Good luck and take care
Many thanks for your advice, take care of yourself too x
Citizens Advice website has specific guidance on preparing for a PIP review. Good luck.
It's not the time to be the brave little soldier. Tell them all about your worst days. Don't mention your best days.
As I've said many times, my daughter is a Welfare Rights officer and they know the system inside out! Worth a phone call,it could save you a lot of heartache. If they ask you if you have problems showering you say yes even though 6 days out of the seven you arent too bad. If they ask about walking etc.you dont say that sometimes you are fine, they will take this that you're ok.Its about making sure that they have your worst possible scenario in front of them. Good luck!
Yes I remember being given the same advice. Goes against the grain as we are all used to putting a good face on things, but you have to do it.
I had a friend went up for a pip interview mistake no 1 she made was to walkup the stairs they asked her why she sd she could not find a lift to cut a long story short ur on cctv the minute you step in the building.
She is currently appealing there decision she is 80 years old what a caring country we live in.
Kill all them old b s and lets take a knee for a thug
Wow - hope its sorted, what a terrible ordeal for her x
Can your friend not apply for attendance allowance?
I hadn't thought of that - thanks for the tip x
Attendance Allowance is far less stressful than PIP and the DWP should have told your friend that she could apply for that instead of PIP due to her age!
Hi Kimlu. I had a phone assessment mid June. It was certainly better than the last two I had in person. I am however still waiting to hear their decision,i ts been a long 5 months, still no idea when, very anxious.
Everybody's right. Tell them about your worst days. My daughter, who has autism, found they are much happier with disabilities they can see than with hidden ones. Make sure they know about breathing, walking, showering, cooking and anything else which seems relevant. Daughter feels she talked too much-is going to Tribunal and letting the lady whose helping her do most of the talking.
Good luck
Thank you so much for all your help, especially the 'brave little soldier' bit, made me laugh. Keep safe my lovely people xxx
Thanks, its the anxiety wondering yes or no, and every day post arrives looking for a brown envelope that doesn't arrive. Really hope to hear before Christmas. I have been turned down twice, (I have 6 ailments), as not ill enough.. had to give up work on medical advice. Mandatory reconciliation still No, so went to tribunal, both times winning, 18 maths however with no income!!!. Good luck with yours.
Yes. Keep safe also.x
Good luck Kimlu
I've been waiting since January for a Work Capability Assessment. It's a constant threat which causes anxiety to be worse.
Let us know how it went.
result of consultant appointment 
Suggestions on consultants to see please
Changed my consultant
How to blow up your consultant!
PIP when on oxygen 24/7
