Face to Face: Should I ask for it to be recorded?

athena15

Hi, 

I have a face to face assessment coming up. I had an unexpected telephone call a few weeks ago and forgot a lot of really important things. 

As part of my medical conditions I have trouble remembering important things in the moment. This affects everything from GP appointments to work. 

Is it worth asking for the assessment to be recorded? I’m not sure how it’d help except if I’m declined for PIP that I could listen and reflect on what I’ve said to help me if I need to fill in important blanks I might have forgotten like specific examples.

I would worry that asking for it to be recorded be off putting for the assessor? What do you think? 

Thanks,
A

Hannah_Alumni

@athena15 You can ask, I am unsure whether they would allow it though. What would be a good idea is to write down all the dates and the points, just a small timeline. That way you won't forget and you feel like you've covered everything you wish too

athena15

Thankyou Hannah, 

The letter says I can call them to request it be recorded and they’d put it into a CD. I just need to let them know ahead of time. 

I’ll write things out like you suggest. I have a lot more evidence or examples than I sent off originally but I struggle to get things done so it wasn’t the best. Ironic. It’s a really overwhelming process. 

Should I write things out by question? 

poppy123456

It would be impossible to write things down by the questions because you don't know what questions they will ask. 

When you filled out the form if you didn't give a couple of real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you then you can do that before the assessment. 

However, having been to quite a few of those assessments myself, i've never found it helpful to write anything down because there's never enough of time to look through them before answering each question.

You can ask for it to be recorded but you'll need to ring them before the day of the assessment. It's not something i've ever personally done because doing this isn't going to get you a PIP award if you did need to challenge the decision once it's made. It's entirely your decision.

athena15

Thankyou! I appreciate your reply. I would probably just end up ruminating on the recording anyway haha. I’m taking someone in with me for support. The recording doesn’t seem like it’ll be practically helpful so I’ll just try to be prepared for the questions and not overthink things too much. 

Hannah_Alumni

Glad to hear you'll have someone with you for support Please keep us updated!