Pip assessment today

VickiTa52863839

Hi everyone,

I had my PIP assessment today. I had one about 8 months ago and was awarded 0 but since then I've spiralled and I'm now on long term sick so decided to try again. 

I applied at the end of July and had my assessment today, very quick wasn't expecting it. 

It felt like it went well but you can never know. One thing I do feel uneasy about is that the lady doing my assessment is a nurse and she recommended a different type of medication she thought might help as I'm currently on the highest dose of what I have. Has anyone had this before? Do you think it's a good sign?

I am much happier about this assessment as she listened and asked questions but didn't push me or ask me negative questions like last time. For example last time when asked how often I vomited I said 2 to 5 days a week and she wasn't happy with that and wanted one number. The lady today said she understood why it can vary so much. Again I don't know if this is a good sign. 

I have terrible anxiety and the whole thing made me feel sick. 

poppy123456

I don't think it means anything other than she recommended some medication, however, you shouldn't take anything without speaking to your GP first, which i'm sure you know.

Once the report is returned to DWP a decision can take 2-12 weeks. If you're not happy you can challenge that decision by first requesting the MR.

VickiTa52863839

I wouldn't anyway as it needs to be prescribed by my GP anyway. 

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @VickiTa52863839 I'm glad that you feel as though your assessment went a little better this time around. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome! There are chances to challenge the decision if you're unhappy with it, so you have a few options ahead of you if things don't go your way.

You've mentioned that you've "spiralled", and that your anxiety is quite bad at the moment. I'm sorry to hear this. Would you feel comfortable telling us a bit more about what you mean by having spiralled? Is your GP supporting you with your anxiety?

VickiTa52863839

I received my assessment report back and it looks good. It's 2 weeks since my assessment and I'm honestly so anxious. I had to have a doctors appointment yesterday because of how anxious the wait is making me feel. I've not heard anything. 

Tori_Scope

Thanks for updating us @VickiTa52863839 Did you find the doctor's appointment helpful? 

VickiTa52863839

Tori_Scope 

Not really but looking at my medication again. 

Tori_Scope

It sometimes good to have a review of your medication to see whether anything could change to make things a little more manageable @VickiTa52863839 Is there another source of support you'd hoped they'd offer?

VickiTa52863839

Good evening,

I received a letter today saying they needed more information and asking about paying a lump sum into my bank account. Does these mean they have made their decision?

The letter was delayed as they sent it the day I moved house and rang to tell them. They actually sent it last week. 

poppy123456

It could be good news yes. Sometimes when someone with mental health is owed some money DWP do ask if they can manage that money in full or whether they would like to receive it over a period of time. 

You will need to contact them by ringing the number on the letter.