Face to face interview for PIP

[YourSpleenIsDamp]

Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis a year ago; in a lot of pain and v fatigued (sleeping at lunchtime every day and still exhausted), waiting to start yet another medication after the other three didn't help. Applied for PIP a couple of months ago, not heard anything til getting a letter asking me to come for an interview in about ten days time. Panicking a bit - kids and DP say I'm too stoic - and not sure what to expect. Visions of getting flustered and contradicting myself. Has anyone else who's had the same tell me what to expect at interview, please? Thanks

Hey there, just bumping this for you.

I've used up most of my brain for the day so will just recommend joining Benefits and Work. There will be info there about what to expect in the interview, which might help you calm down before it.

Also if they list specific questions that may help you think through what information you need to make sure you get across for each Q. I'm dreadful at thinking on my feet and can easily omit important stuff.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk

Make sure you describe your symptoms as they are on your absolute worst day. You need to be emphasising what you can't do rather than what you can. It is a horribly negative thing to have to do and soul destroying, but sadly that is how the system is.

They will also be sneaky. For example they might ask if you have pets and if so, who looks after them. If you say you do, they may use that against you.

PIP isn't awarded on name of your condition but on how much you can do in daily life.

Important information to get from Benefits & Work are the specific descriptors on which the DWP award points, which determine whether you're awarded PIP.

So think about how you will answer Qs with these descriptors in mind, and think about egs from your life which show how you perform against these descriptors. Even keep a diary for the next 10 days if that will help.

Thanks, will take a look at Benefits and Work.

That's my main worry tbh - I'm a full time carer for my two DC (both autistic, both receive DLA) and claim Carer's Allowance. They do need a lot of support, and that falls to me as a single parent, although they do go to their dad's regularly. I'm imagining having all benefits stopped, and getting prosecuted for benefit fraud - although in my rational moments I know that's pretty unlikely! Just worried that they won't believe I'm really that incapacitated if I'm also a full time carer 😬

@YourSpleenIsDamp
how did it go, I have my face to face assessment too and feeling how you did.