Pip home interview

sallyjac01

I'm already in receipt of Pip and have been for 5 years due to having Fibromyalgia, Hypermobility Syndrome, IBS to name a few. I was diagnosed with Triple negative Breast Cancer in May this year and  have been having chemotherapy every week for the past 10 weeks. I rang the dwp and advised them of my change of circus and they sent a full 40 page claim form out to me. There is no way I can do this form in my condition and treatment that I am having. I told them that I didnt wish to include my recent diagnosis into my claim as it was too stressful to think about whilst undergoing treatment.
However I've just received a letter telling me that an assessor will be calling at my home on Sunday this week  between 9.00 - 11.00 am . This is out of the blue and  as I have been trying to keep my stress levels down as this does not help with my chemo treatment I'm now extremely stressed out. Do I have to allow them in or can I just say I do not wish my breast cancer to be included or considered. 
I would rather cope on the level I'm on rather than have to go through and talk about how dreadful iam feeling and coping to a complete stranger in my own home which is my only peaceful place at the moment.
What can or should I do ?

poppy123456

HI,

I'm sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, because you rang and reported a change of circumstances with the diagnosis then this will have prompted them to send more forms. You should always be cautious when reporting a change, even for a diagnosis.

I'm afraid you will have to go through with the assessment, if you don't then your PIP could stop. If the date isn't suitable then you can change it once but the next one you will have to attend. 

Do you have someone that can be with you during the assessment?

sallyjac01

Thanks for replying.  My sister attends all of my chemo appts with me and types up a record of what's happening and advised so she has said she will be here with me.
I dont think its realised how awful it is to have to relive over and over the trauma you are having to go through.

Thanks

Joanne_Alumni

Hi @sallyjac01,

I am sorry to hear you are going through such a difficult time.
Have you had any contact with Macmillan? They may be able to give you some tips about the assessment. Their helpline number is 0808 808 0000. They also give grants if you are struggling financially.
Hope it goes OK on Sunday, let us know how you get on.