PIP interview Advice

[LittleCosette]

Hi everyone,

I'm preparing for my PIP interview and would really appreciate any advice or tips from those who've been through this process. I have rheumatoid arthritis, which significantly affects my daily life, mobility, and ability to work.

I’m curious about what kind of questions they might ask during the interview. For example, will they focus on specific tasks or ask about general daily challenges? Also, what sort of evidence should I provide to support my application?

I’ve gathered things like medical records, letters from my GP, and details about how my condition affects me, but I’m not sure if this is enough or if there’s anything else I should include.

Thank you so much for any guidance or experiences you can share—it would mean a lot!

I have been through the process. I assume you’ve already completed the application form? In my experience the assessor went through each descriptor and clarified the information I’d already given, some descriptors more than others. I had already supplied evidence to support my application and no further evidence was requested. The assessment was meant to be virtual via MS Teams but the IT wouldn’t work and I ended with a telephone assessment (after a very stressful 15 mins of trying to get things to work). My assessor was easy to talk to and seemed professional. She had never heard of my condition so I had to explain this in some detail. Overall the assessment took about 90 minutes and it wasn’t too bad, just tiring! If you have put in an application which clearly sets out how you function against each descriptor, backed up by evidence, the assessment should be quite straightforward.

Be honest about how you are affected on a day, to day basis. Be consistent, and be prepared to repeat yourself.

Did you send copies of all your evidence with your form, or are you taking it with you?

The evidence should have already been sent in, you don’t provide it during the interview. They just ask the same questions as on the form, and additional questions around it. Just be honest, don’t exaggerate, don’t describe your worst day as your average day etc, if it varies just say on average x days a week I can do y and z days a week I need this support etc

I’ll have it in front of me as it’s a phone interview. Will they ask me to refer to specific appointments?
My life is radically different in a flare- do I describe life in a flare?

What do you mean? Have you not sent both the forms and evidence in?

Have you not sent in any evidence?

I have photos on my phone. I’m a bit concerned about it being 90 minutes as I will have to pick my daughter up from After School club.

You should arrange someone else to do that, a pip assessment can be 2-3 hours.

Have you sent the evidence to them? They won’t refer to it on the phone they’ll just ask the questions on the pip form

@LittleCosetteyou should have already sent copies of your evidence with your application, but good idea to have it available to refer to. They want to know how your condition impacts you day to day. My assessor had no knowledge about my condition so it’s best to assume that you’ll need to explain what it is and what impact it has on you. The advice I have heard is to think about whether you can perform tasks/activities safely, in a reasonable time, and repeatedly/reliably- so during a flare up the impact would be greater, and this is what you need to explain. I doubt they will ask about specific appointments but it’s best to have key information to hand.

You answer as if it is your worst day. Do not put any sort of gloss or positivity in there.

They won’t be able to see photos on your phone?

So I made some notes from my application just to have to hand. They have your application and evidence so you won’t be quizzed on appointments etc. They took e through each of the areas and asked about the impact on my life. I also got asked how far I could walk and what aids I use. I also have arthritis, I applied a couple of years ago for asd and didn’t meet the criteria. That interview it felt like they were trying to catch me out and they didn’t ask many questions. This time was totally different she really listened to me and took the time to make sure she understood what I was saying.
tbh I think they mostly go on your evidence from professionals and the interview is more a formality.

@LittleCosettephone assessments often start late and I would allow 2 hours so you aren’t rushing. Can you arrange for someone else to do pickup? There’s a lot at stake in terms of making the most of the assessment in clearly (and honestly of course) explaining your situation. They won’t be able to see photos on your phone.

I'm confused about you not already sending the evidence in but as for the interview make sure it's recorded. Be aware that they will act like your friend they are not. Arrange someone to pick your daughter up. Just be honest and make it clear what your struggles are. Be prepared that you might get turned down Initially and it may be a long fight. Getting pip isn't easy and it takes a lot of strength. Good luck

I understand that- but I might need to refer to something?

But, have you sent the evidence in to the DWP?

it’s been asked so many times, why not answer?

Also I’m not sure what you would need to refer to. Surely you know how your condition affects you.

I don’t understand the questions? I have sent evidence in and have an interview on Monday. I take pictures of everything to do with my condition and have saved them on a file on my phone for easy access.
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It wasn’t clear that you had sent the evidence in. That’s all.

Sorry this makes me feel very emotional. I just want to make sure I say the right thing.

The right thing?

What a stupid comment. What would OP get out of LARPing. Reported.