PIP assessment - I've been sent video call appointment

daisy223

I got a letter today with an appointment for a PIP video assessment. I'm really scared. It's for my first PIP review which I've been getting since being transferred from DLA a few years ago - last time it was done as a paper-based a assessment, so no interview/face to face or telephone.

It's for mental health - diagnosed with severe anxiety, depression, social phobia.

I hoped for no medical/interview again but thought if there was one it would be on the telephone and was very anxious about that as it was, but I find video calls especially difficult. I'm wondering why they want a video call with me when all the recent assessments I've read about on here seem to be telephone? Can I request telephone instead and would that be a good idea?

I'd really appreciate any thoughts, advice, experiences or reassurance because I'm really worrying and keep wanting to just not do it even though I know that'll mean they'll stop my PIP.

atlas47

Hi @daisy223

A very warm welcome.

I fully understand your anxiety over being assessed by video.

Can I suggest that you speak to your GP, social worker or support worker. If they will provide you with a letter of support, that in the best interest of your health and well being. A paper review take place, to avoid causing you such harm.

I think we have. been traumatised over the last 18 months, with COVID. No one should have to face something, that can be completely avoided.

Keep us informed and stay safe.

daisy223

Hi @atlas47

Thank you very much for the welcome and your kind words and suggestion.

You're so right about how we've been traumatised; it really hit me when I read your words. It's definitely affected me badly.

My support worker didn't suggest anything like that when I spoke to her this morning and told her how I was feeling, but did say she could be on the call with me if it can be rescheduled (it's for early next week). I might try to speak to her again and ask her about writing something or try speaking to my GP.

Thank you again

woodbine

They have made changes, assessments were either paper based or telephone, now they have added video and face2face into the mix.

MarkM88

I’d be interested to know if video assessments are to be mandatory or given an alternative choice? 

What about individuals with no internet access or suitable device? 

woodbine

I would assume that if the claimant had no internet then one of the other options would be chosen. But in this case the claimant obviously does have the internet.

daisy223

MarkN88 said:

I’d be interested to know if video assessments are to be mandatory or given an alternative choice? 

What about individuals with no internet access or suitable device? 

The appointment letter I've been sent says to let them know if you haven't got internet or a suitable device or nowhere private to call from, so that they can either help or make other arrangements

janer1967

Hi @daisy223

If the assessment is next week you need to inform them quickly you want to have alternative options as if not they will be expecting you on the video call

A letter won't get there in time 

daisy223

woodbine said:

I would assume that if the claimant had no internet then one of the other options would be chosen. But in this case the claimant obviously does have the internet.

Yes, I've got internet, but nowhere properly private at home to make a video call from  (which would affect a phone call as well). That might be the case for a lot of people?

woodbine

daisy223 said:

MarkN88 said:

I’d be interested to know if video assessments are to be mandatory or given an alternative choice? 

What about individuals with no internet access or suitable device? 

The appointment letter I've been sent says to let them know if you haven't got internet or a suitable device or nowhere private to call from, so that they can either help or make other arrangements

As I said above, you are posting here so I assume you have the internet, there are a few reasons why a video assessment would be better than a face2face one.

daisy223

@janer1967

Thank you, I'll make sure to do that

daisy223

Thank you very much @woodbine and @Username_removed for what both of you have said - it's very helpful.