Pip assessment - son feels too anxious to go for face to face assessment, what can I do?

We want to hear from you: please tell us about your experience of the online community.

Rubywoo18

Hi all hope you are all keeping well.Haven't been on for a while. My son and I are feeling really anxious at the moment. He's migrating from DLA to PIP and now has to have a face to face assessment. I asked them in the form if they could do a telephone assessment as it would be difficult for him to do a face to face one. He is now refusing to go and feels very anxious. About going. Now I'm worried his dla will stop if he cannot attend. Plus I have really social anxiety and depression that affects my memory so will find it very difficult being asked alot of private personal questions. What can I do ? Thanks

Mary_Scope

Hi @Rubywoo18, its nice to see you back😊

It sounds like a very stressful situation so its understandable why you’re both feeling anxious!

You can call the assessment provider and ask again for a phone or video assessment instead of face to face. It can be helpful to explain why it’s really hard for your son to attend and that you also struggle with your own mental health, especially if you can back this up with evidence.

You can also request a home visit, especially if you have a note from a GP or support worker which may be more suitable😊