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Pip Assessment finally
thedoc
Member Posts: 51 Connected
Finally had my assessment date for pip claim of capita and it's a home visit rather apprehensive though because its my first claim. Any information on what it will be like would be greatfully received thanks
Replies
The lady assessor was lovely and polite and seemed to truly be listening and understanding of my illnesses. She made notes constantly and asked me to copy some movements but I didn’t have too if too uncomfortable, which I couldn’t on the the two out of three that she asked me to do.
My assessment went on for 1hr 15mins but it did feel quicker.
At the end the assessor made some light convo regarding my little dogs who were in another room (she could hear them yapping) she even mentioned the breed of her dogs.
I was frightened massively prior to the assessment and now my anxieties are about the decision.
But the assessor was very professional and came from Capita.
Hope this helps a little.
Dogs are so therapeutic and you have 2 lovely breeds there. My two are Jack Russel x Yorkshire terrier and Chihuahua x Pomeranian.
Good luck with the assessment and update to let us know how it goes for you.
When i have my home assessment next week would i be allowed to read off my copy of the form i sent to DWP only my memory isn't the best
I'd recommend using a diary as it will help you to answer questions such as "when did you last do 'x'", and "how often do you do 'y'" If I hadn't have kept one my answers wouldn't have been much more than a guess because my memory isn't good!
Maybe I am wrong and have approached my assessments in the wrong way. I too have memory issues evidenced by the various mental health professionals. Due to these issues most of my answers were either 'don't know or can't remember', or whatever came into my head when asked the questions. Whether anything agreed with the claim form I have no idea as the report made no sense of anything. So the claim went to appeal.
There is also a big advantage for the assessor because they will have more accurate information.
For example, when I was asked how often I suffered fatigue and couldn't cook, wash etc I could count up and say "x times in the last week". When was the last time? "Friday last" I couldn't give these answers without relying on my notes.
@thedoc - You must decide but I stick by my original advice. I think it would be helpful even if just to prompt you of things you want to mention (I covered these at the end in my assessment)
Good luck anyway, whatever you decide..
One thing that comes to mind is if you made a claim that you could not walk more than 20 metres could the assessor not then ask how did you measure that distance. Could they not also ask how long it took you and how long do you think you could walk?
That was a situation I was in last time and I estimated it, no idea how long it took and just guessed at the time I could walk for.
In my case, and I've only had one assessment so I don't know whether this is a standard thing, the assessor apparently measured the speed I was able to walk by timing me over a few metres when I had to leave the room. I'm fairly confident this never took place, unless it was just an estimate of the time and the distance i.e. roughly two metres in roughly three seconds....
In any case the assessor got the 'working out' wrong so it was meaningless..
I could actually do a lot of the descriptors - what was a problem for most of them was the 'reliability' factor. e.g. I could prepare and cook a very nice meal, as long as I didn't leave the gas on and set the house on fire...
Winding back to my own assessment, I tried to add 'reliably to each of the questions and then answer "I can't do 'x' reliably' (if this were the case) and then explain why. I found it difficult to do this throughout the assessment but I thought that it was a key part of the process.
The problem is that I imagine I might have sounded like a barrack room lawyer, or a 'know it all' who had learnt the DWP guidelines!
...which is strange, because I agree with you that it doesn't seem like a good idea...
Surely giving the first answer would be a lie?
If you start believing in the negative so as to give the answer you suggest most people will end up thinking and believing that life in general is a negative experience. That could cause terrible consequences for those who suffer from various mental health issues.
All it needs is for the assessor to listen to what is being said without the claimant having to turn everything around so that no is the first thing out of your mouth.
Personally I don't want to lie or be a negative individual and it is not right that the PIP system tries to make people think negatively.
This all sounds a bit confusing to me. Say it as it is is my motto and if appropriate qualify your answer as you are suggesting.