PIP Tips

MissingTheSun

First PIP Assessment by phone tomorrow any tips? Really nervous 

poppy123456

If you kept a copy of the form you returned have a read of that before the assessment. Some people find it helpful to write some notes for them to refer to during the assessment. Personally i don't find this helpful and prefer to just concentrate on answering the questions.

Try not to answer anything with just a yes or no and try to give as much detail as possible. Have a drink next to you incase it's needed.

The assessment can last anywhere from 20 to 120 minutes. They may not ring on time, especially if there's an assessment before you.

Cher_Alumni

Hello @MissingTheSun and welcome to our online community, how's it going?

Scope have a general advice page about 'Preparing for a PIP assessment' that you can take a read of. And importantly, if you're using a mobile phone - make sure it's adequately charged or you have a charger nearby.

Bear in mind, you are speaking about how you are the majority of the time - i.e. over 50% of the week and don't be afraid to take your time, ask to pause if you are finding it too much or ask the assessor to repeat themselves and explain anything you don't understand. 

Lots of us have been in your position and we know it's difficult. Just think - this time tomorrow, it'll be done and we are here for lots of practical and emotional support whenever you should need it.

Take care and good luck!

MissingTheSun

Thank you. I have not at this stage completed a form. The appointment is with Voice Ability who will complete the form for me. Seeming a new system in Scotland who are supposed to have a more caring approach to a stressful system 

chiarieds

Hi @MissingTheSun - & welcome to the community from me also.

poppy123456

MissingTheSun said:

Thank you. I have not at this stage completed a form. The appointment is with Voice Ability who will complete the form for me. Seeming a new system in Scotland who are supposed to have a more caring approach to a stressful system 

Then it's not a PIP assessment so my advice above isn't relevant. The PIP assessment will come after you returned the PIP2 form.

Blue_eyes

That's what I thought. It's not a PIP assessment,so the question is in some way misleading 🤔

poppy123456

MissingTheSun said:

Thank you. I have not at this stage completed a form. The appointment is with Voice Ability who will complete the form for me. Seeming a new system in Scotland who are supposed to have a more caring approach to a stressful system 

Are you applying for the new Scottish disability benefit ADP? if so then you will not have any PIP assessment.

MissingTheSun

Yes I am but I thought this would be the same questions as PIP?

poppy123456

MissingTheSun said:

Yes I am but I thought this would be the same questions as PIP?

The descriptors are the same but you won't be having a PIP assessment, only those applying for PIP would have this.

You can see the decision makers guide for ADP here. You'll need to scroll down to the adults half way down. https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/guidance-resources/guidance/decision-making-guide

chiarieds

The questions for ADP are based on PIP, as you can see here if you haven't already (it combines parts 1 & 2 ): https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/asset-storage/production/downloads/Adult-Disability-Payment-V3-October-2022-interactive.pdf

MissingTheSun

I had just got my head round the questions on the PIP Application Form and just seen the Application for ADP my head is splitting! It is not myself that is filling the form in though I am getting help with Voice Ability. I hope they are patient with me 

Alex_Alumni

I'm sure Voice Ability will be more than happy to help out @MissingTheSun, from what I remember of my own PIP application, the forms can be quite daunting if all looked at in one go! Taking it in smaller chunks might help  

Let us know how things go for you as and when!