PIP telephone assessment

Moana

Hello I am looking for some advice please I have my PIP telephone assessment on Thursday and I am so worried about it. This is my first claim and I don’t know what they are going to ask me. I am autistic which was diagnosed in April and I also have Asthma OCD Anxiety Depression Panic Attacks. I said in the form that I am no good on the telephone and since I got my appointment letter through I haven’t been able to sleep or think of anything else. I am also scared cos I live with my parents but they don’t know about my diagnosis and I really don’t want to have letters sent to my home in case my parents open them but don’t know if I can only have online contact with DWP? 

bg844

Unfortunately PIP is administered only by way of post, you should get a letter shortly after your telephone assessment saying they have all the information they need followed by a decision letter.

Moana

Thank you for replying do you know if the telephone assessment will be long I struggle with things that are different.

Hannah_Alumni

@Moana Wishing you all the best for your telephone assessment! They can be anything from an hour to longer I am afraid. It depends how much information they may need to take down so may ask additional questions. 

Moana

Ok thank you I’m trying to get myself ready for it but don’t feel ready. An hour is a long time but I know I need to do it.

Hannah_Alumni

@Moana You've got this! You can have someone sit with you if you feel more comfortable

Moana

Thanks I would have liked to have someone with me but I didn’t know how to ask someone. 

Hannah_Alumni

It can be anyone, a friend, maybe a old work colleague or school friend?

Moana

People are busy they have lots going on for them it’s ok it’s always been just me. 

Hannah_Alumni

We are here, please keep us updated on how you got on  

Moana

Thank you I will and thank you for being so kind I’ve never posted anything before and I really feel like you listened so thank you. 

Moana

Hi just a quick update cos I am having a meltdown. I answered my phone for the assessment but she said she didn’t think it would be fair to do the assessment cos she didn’t think I’d understand what she was asking me. She said I should have an appointee but I don’t even know what that is. I’m so useless I can’t even do this right. So now I’m going to have to call the DWP and I don’t know what’s going to happen now. 

Hannah_Alumni

Try not to worry. Here is all the information on getting an appointee. It can be a friend, family member or even someone from an organisation or personal legal representative. The first thing the DWP will do is come out and assess you to see if an appointee is needed. It may be something that is a big help to you  

Moana

How do they know if an appointee is needed cos I only heard of it today and when I finally got through on the phone the DWP said that it would just be someone who all the forms are sent to and then they can help me on the phone by talking. I’m so confused. 

Hannah_Alumni

The assessment will tell them. Some need appointee's because of the physical or mental health or because of their living situation. That may be why they think getting the assessment would benefit you  

Moana

Ok thank you I’ll call them back next week and see what they say. 

Hannah_Alumni

Please keep us updated  

Moana

I will thank you so much for your help 

Moana

Hi an quick update after 2 times trying to get through to speak to someone I managed to yesterday and gave them a name and now they are going to call them to get more details and then do a visit. Does anyone know what will happen at a visit? I don’t know when it’s going to happen yet but I’m already worrying about it. 

poppy123456

Moana said:

Hi an quick update after 2 times trying to get through to speak to someone I managed to yesterday and gave them a name and now they are going to call them to get more details and then do a visit. Does anyone know what will happen at a visit? I don’t know when it’s going to happen yet but I’m already worrying about it. 

Is this regarding setting up an appointee?

Moana

Yes it is