PIP assessment

Wookie66

Hi had a letter today from Capita saying that my Pip assessment will done over the phone on 21st of this month. Is this a good thing or a bad thing regarding the outcome of the assessment, and is there anything i should be forewarned about, before having a phone assessment 
 My medical problems have gotten worse since i first sent in the forms. I am now being referred to specialist for full spinal scans, physio, etc, but the resulting evidence will not be ready to put forward to them before my assessment date. Any advice would be most welcome

woodbine

Make sure you make a note of anything you want to put to them, make sure your phone is fully charged if its a mobile, be prepared for the assessment to last upto an hour and of course make sure you are there to answer the call.
It doesn't matter if your medical problems have become worse, it's still all about the care and/or mobility issues.
Try and avoid answering any question yes or no, go into detail.

Good luck and let us know how it goes?

mikehughescq

Emphasising that you’ve got worse will be of relevance. Your decision will be based on what you were like when you visited. Beyond that just remember that you’re not being asked whether you can do things. You’re being asked if you can do them reliably. So, yes/no answers really won’t help you. You also need to have a couple of real world incidents to detail for each activity you want points for.

Telephone assessments were initially a great thing but currently they’re no better or worse than face to face.

Libby_Scope

Hi @Wookie66,

Thank you for your comment  

The method of assessment (i.e., either over the phone/in person) is a matter of personal preference on what people prefer, but there isn't necessarily a good/bad outcome associated with each method. What is important, is that you stress how your disability impacts your daily living and be honest with the assessors. You will be great and it's wonderful that you've reached out for some support/advice. 

If you haven't seen the resources below, I would highly recommend having a little look into them as I'm sure they will be helpful for your assessment: 

• Preparing for PIP assessment | Disability charity Scope UK
• PIP assessment guide part 1: the assessment process - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  
• Preparing for your PIP assessment - Citizens Advice
  

If you have any further questions or concerns, please just let us know  

Libby

Wookie66

Thanks to everyone who responding to my questions. much appreciated 

mikehughescq

mikehughescq said:

Emphasising that you’ve got worse will be of relevance. Your decision will be based on what you were like when you visited. Beyond that just remember that you’re not being asked whether you can do things. You’re being asked if you can do them reliably. So, yes/no answers really won’t help you. You also need to have a couple of real world incidents to detail for each activity you want points for.

Telephone assessments were initially a great thing but currently they’re no better or worse than face to face.

Apologies, that should have said “… will be of no relevance.”

mikehughescq

Libby_Scope said:

Hi @Wookie66,

Thank you for your comment  

The method of assessment (i.e., either over the phone/in person) is a matter of personal preference on what people prefer,

Where has this idea come from? It is wholly inaccurate. The method of assessment is determined by DWP and the AP. The only ways claimant has any input is if they object to a face to face assessment and request either a HV or paper assessment as a reasonable adjustment. 

Libby_Scope

@mikehughescq - apologies, I think there has been some misunderstanding here. What I meant by my comment is that whatever method is determined by the DWP and AP (i.e., face-to-face or over the phone), each individual's preference will be different. For example, some individuals will prefer face-to-face assessments and others will prefer over the phone, maybe due to social anxiety related issues etc.