I have just received my letter to go for my PIP interview and am in complete turmoil. I have received PIP for last 19 months due to a stroke. Didn't need to go for interview as was just awarded it from my medical records. So my renewal came and filled it in and have an interview next week. Have recently been diagnosed with ME (last week) by mu neurologist and am currently awaiting another brain scan.i suffer quite badly from depression as have found life extremley hard after my stroke. Am absolutely dreading this interview, am not good around strangers and hate discussing my health with anyone. Would really appreciate some advice and what other people have been through. Already in tears at the thought of going.
Hi Debbie
What level of pip do you receive, if you said your worse then they'll would want to see you to ensure you get the right level of pip.
I wouldn't worry about it, but have a look on pip scoring web site in case you miss anything out, they'll be looking at how your conditions affect you physically mostly.
Thanks
Neil
Take some1 with u and just be honest then they cnt pull u for anything it's horrible experience but just do ur best gd luck x
Hi Debbie, If you answered "worse" to the questions on your review form then this would be the reason they've called you for assessment. There's no doubt you'll be asked questions mostly on what you ticked worse on with the form. As i'm guessing you ticked worse for some/all? Hopefully you kept a copy of the form before you sent it off and you can take a look and what you said on there. Take someone with you if you need to, along with any extra evidence if you have it. Last of all just be truthfull and good luck.
Thank you for yr reply. Yes had ticked worse on few things, coordination etc has worsened alot since last form. My partner is coming with me as no way I could even get by myself. Just so nervous, always get very tearful talking about my health and how much it affects me, so talking to a stranger is really worrying me . Thanks for reply.
Thank you for reply, just worrying about getting my words out. Struggle to hold conversations and getting the words out even with people I know, dreading it with a total stranger
No probs it is a stressful time so gd luck again x
Thank you for reply, currently receive the enhanced rate. Did tick worse on few things as coordination and shakes had worsened alot since last for. Just worrying about my communication. My partner coming with me and is trying to reassure me that he will speak if I struggle, but just even the thought is worrying me. Thanks again for reply
Hi Debbie, could you not ask for a home visit? let us know how you get on? Twiglet,
You would need a letter from a GP for this explaining why a home visit is needed.
I'm the opposite, I will not let anybody see me in pain or looking like I am ready for the scrap heap. I have some pride and certainly don't want anybody's pity. I treat the assessors as nothing more than unqualified investigators who have a self imposed aura of power. Had one, a male Asian nurse who owned a care home that was run by him and his wife. We didn't get off to a good start. Between his heavy Asian accent and my deafness (two hearing aids) I couldn't understand a damned word he was saying. I asked for someone that spoke English and was told that he would stop the assessment if I carried on in that way anymore. - So lip reading I guessed at what he was trying to say and answered yes or no as I felt appropriate. Suffice it to say thay his report was rather damning which resulted in the removal of my ESA - that was back in 2012.
This is what I don't get, if people are on the highest rate and you say this have gotten worse, why do you need an assessment. Your pip amount can't increase and your not due to be reassessed for another year or so, makes no sense.
Good luck but please ask why another assessment because it's not going to help me.