Any advice for a new pip interview

Good_Man · January 2018

I have a face to face pip interview next week, they have asked me to attend at a venue that will be difficult for me to get too, not impossible but difficult.

I have new medical evidence that I believe they should know about, should I take it with me on the day? or do I notify them in advance and take it on the day?

Any advice and all advice about the actual interview will be welcome, thank you all in advance.

[Deleted User] · January 2018

@Good_Man hi my mum was given a home visit has we rang them and told them to it was difficult to attend ..the extra medical evidence I would send a copy to DWP recorded delivery for the next day because the assessor might tell you to do this anyway also she couldignore it on the day .Good luck

STELLBHOY · January 2018

I had home visit, Me visiting an away from home appointment was never even a mention! I'd phone them and try and talk them round to having a home visit

Matilda · January 2018

@Good_Man

The assessment company should pay for taxi fares if agreed in advance. Phone the assessment company's helpline. Best not to drive yourself - assessors, and tribunals, tend to think that ability to drive indicates enough strength to be able to bathe and dress in average time. Also indicates that you are able to plan journeys.

Also, don't travel by public transport on your own.

Very likely, the assessor will ask how you travelled to the venue.

Disability Rights UK site has a good guide to all stages of PIP.

These links might be helpful as well:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/547146/pip-assessment-guide.pdf

(This is the assessors' guide - gives details of the trick questions they should ask, such as about pets and hobbies! Ability to care for pets and to participate in certain hobbies might indicate a high level of physical ability).

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/519119/personal-independence-payment-handbook.pdf

(Details of the reliability criteria are on p8)

The assessor will watch you walk from the waiting area to the interview room and watch if you put any of your belongings on the floor and bend down to pick them up later.

Don't dress up and wear clothes without any fastenings

Assessor will be observing you informally all the time and looking for any signs that might even suggest that you don't have significant disabilities. The assessor is not on your side - they work for the DWP who want to reduce the disability benefit bill.

Nystagmite · January 2018

@Matilda - none of your links are working for me?

Matilda · January 2018

The second link still works for me. The first link led me to gov.uk and 'said page not found'. I searched for 'PIP guide for assessors' and got 'PIP guide for assessment providers' which is now in three parts.

Markinsutton · January 2018

I was shocked i been offered a home visit for my assessment without being asked. I need considerable amount of help going to new places so hoping that this goes in my favour when they decide what to award me. I got most of my information from this link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers I would ring them and ask if you can have it done at home.

Good_Man · January 2018

Thanks for all the advice so far, I did ring them and have arranged a new venue that is closer to me than the other one, it is also easier to access and earlier to fit in with my escort so all is good so far.
To date I have to say I am impressed with their professionalism, I have read all the horror stories and it has worried me but I have not been witness to it.

Fingers crossed it will carry on as it has been.

Any advice for a new pip interview

Replies