Pip phone assessment

[Tigerbreadbum]

I have my call Tuesday and I’m getting really worked up about it.

I have PTSD, ADHD and anxiety. Until 3 years ago I owned my own home and was at university doing Nursing. Now I’ve had to move back in with my dad and can’t hold down a job. Can anyone explain what the call will be like? Or ways I can make it easier?

I never expected my life to turn out like this and I’d give anything to be able to go back to full time employment and a normal life 😣

@Tigerbreadbum

I sat with my neighbour when she had her assessment.
I can't deny it wasn't difficult but it helped that I could remind her if things she wanted or needed to say. I would also have been prepared to intervene if I thought that she was getting too anxious to continue
Have a copy of your application to hand and make sure that you cover all the points that you included. If there is anything you feel wasn't addressed by the form note it down so you don't forget to mention it. And try and have someone with you
Good luck

I know it is easy for me to say, but it is helpful to not get too worked up, as it is important to be able to clearly get across to the assessor, the difficulties that you are having in your daily life. That is good advice from the pp, to have your form in front of you, and support from someone else, if possible. And if you don't understand a question, just ask them to clarify what they are asking you.

I have not had a pip assessment but I have had an esa capability for work assessment which I believe is similar.

At the start of the call they checked a few facts - name, address etc. I'd forgotten a couple of meds but had ticked the box allowing them access to medical records so she checked that I did take those meds.

She was fine that I had forgotten. I have neuro issues and am very anxious and a couple of times I had to say "I'm really sorry I forgot what you asked and she was fine to repeat the questions,

She basically went through the form checking what I had written (I had the form and my documents in front of me). A couple of times I hadn't really understood the questions and I answered in more detail (about my anxious episodes at work).

Hi OP, try not to worry too much about it. My phone assessment was less than 15 minutes long and I was granted PIP. The important thing to remember is that it isn’t related to your ability to work but to how your issues affect your life. They actually gave me points for areas that I said I didn’t have issues with on the basis of the medical evidence I supplied.
Hope it goes OK x

Firstly try not to worry too much. I know that's easy to say but most assessment nurses are very understanding.

They will ask about your conditions and ask how you manage them but you need to explain how they stop you from doing the 12 pip activities. So for example the first one is making food, does your mh mean you need somebody to prompt and help you or otherwise you can't make a meal. Do they make meals then you can use a microwave with some prompting and is it painful or anything to stand up.

Remember you need to explain how you are most of the time and make sure you tell them if you're feeling overwhelmed or upset. Don't be surprised if they ask if you're going to harm yourself- they have to ask that. Also they will do a welfare check with your dr if they think you're at risk in any way.

There's a really good organisation in Manchester called Fightback4justice and they give free advice and have a good facebook page. Also try and get someone to be with you on the call for moral support so if you do find it too much they can explain.

Good luck

Thank you so much. I had it this morning and had such a lovely kind nurse. Obviously that doesn’t mean I’ll get awarded but it at least meant it was as least traumatic for me as possible.