Pip video assesment - Anxiety

leah2007

Hi, 
I’ve just received a text now to say I have been given an appointment for next Sunday 9th April for video assesment for my pip claim. 

Basically I rang them yesterday before receiving the message about appt. I asked them how long until I get an assessment and the lady said oh we have cancellation 3rd April for telephone assesment, I then said I’m not sure if I should take it or not as I have an appointment with specialist for chronic fatigue syndrome and consultant need to speak to me before being diagnosed if needs be. So I left it and didn’t book in for the 3rd April. But just now I received an appointment for video assesment. But I have read so many horror stories about video assesments and that they ask to do physical things to see how you cope etc. 
I’m claiming for fibromyalgia, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome and hypermobility. I feel very anxious and worried about the assesment only because I read so many horror stuff. Is there any possibility I can ask them if I can have telephone assesment? I suffer from anxiety and know that having video assesment will cause me more anxiety and stress. 

Ps I would like to record my assesment too not sure if this can be done via video or not ? 
Many thanks 

poppy123456

They don't usually ask you to do anything physical during a video assessment. The same applies to face to face. They would mostly just observe you.

It's perfectly natural to mostly read the bad stories when on the internet. If someone has a good experience and been awarded, they have no questions to ask so we don't hear their story.

You can ring to ask for a telephone assessment instead. You can also ask for it to be recorded but please be aware that if the assessors refuses to be recorded (they can do this) your assessment maybe cancelled until they find someone that agrees.

rebel11

Whatever type of Assessment you have, as long as you seek permission before you record the Assessment and the Assessor has the opportunity to read out their statement, then you can record it i.e. on your smart phone. This can be used in your MR / Appeal.

If you record covertly, then you can't use it at all. 

leah2007

I have managed to change it to telephone appointment. Thanks 

rebel11

leah2007 said:

I have managed to change it to telephone appointment. Thanks 

The Assessor won't record it for you, you need to seek permission and record it yourself, don't forget.

Make notes for the Assessment to help jog your memory, about how your conditions effect you on your worse days.

The first point on your sheet of paper is, 'I would like to record the Assessment', go from there. 

Good luck, don't forget to update the thread, stay calm, control the situation.

MadCow1

Hi everyone,

I have just received a text from PIP to say that I have a video assessment on Monday 17th April. I am not comfortable with a video assessment, plus I can't sit for too long and have to move around after a while.

Do you think that it is enough of a reason to request a telephone assessment?

rebel11

MadCow1 said:

Hi everyone,

I have just received a text from PIP to say that I have a video assessment on Monday 17th April. I am not comfortable with a video assessment, plus I can't sit for too long and have to move around after a while.

Do you think that it is enough of a reason to request a telephone assessment?


Call them, explain that you will feel 'uncomfortable' with video assessment as it would increase your anxiety levels, it would render the assessment pointless as you want to provide as much information as possible.

MadCow1

Hi @rebel11,

Thanks for your advice. Just rang & explained & I now have a phone appointment for the same day.

rebel11

MadCow1 said:

Hi @rebel11,

Thanks for your advice. Just rang & explained & I now have a phone appointment for the same day.

Well done, have a copy of the form / make some notes to help you remember stuff.

Take your time answering - 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/your-assessment/  

MadCow1

Hi,

Thanks for your advice. 👍❤️