Tricky questions at face to face PIP assessments?

I had my PIP assessment today. I took my partner who is also my carer. I got some of these questions too. I got asked if I had a pet , I got asked to remember three words and then asked after less than two minutes to repeat them back. I got asked to spell a word backwards. I got asked to write some details on a piece of paper and she gave quite a few instructions at the time. I am asking my partner as I type and he says she asked me to write my name and address, fold the paper four times, take it over to the bed and bring it back. There were quite a few 'casual' questions throughout, I remember being a bit confused by them but can't remember them all.

At my Pip, the assessor asked if I can walk for 1-2 mins or 5-10 mins. I wasn’t feeling well and not thinking clearly and was confused. She repeated the question so I said quickly 1-2 mins. But on reflection it is actually only seconds that I can walk, ie 5 metres before the pain gets worse. As they usually talk about 20metres, 50 metres etc, this ‘time’ question really threw me.

I have been shocked / disgusted by the whole thing

ASK FOR A RECORDED MEDICAL

I was asked do you go shopping I said no
she then asked how long do you spend in the shop ?
I don't go shopping
but could you go shopping and how long would it take
I don't go shopping
but could you go
prob could
she wrote in the report
goes shopping weekly is able to walk around shops and enjoy visiting the local café ????
made up all lies

also asked do you go in the garden
I said yes
how long are you in the garden
I don't know
would you say half hour ? hour ?
I never timed myself
10 min then or 5 min
I don't know
say 5 -4- 3- 2- min then
prob 2 min ?
she wrote is able to walk around the garden
so lower back defect is unlikely ? I had a report from a spine specialist

I realised these people are not your friend and don't care about you or are even nice in any way they must get paid on results of getting you off your benefits and twist your comments to fit what they know get your benefits stopped
so be very aware

soontjen wrote: I have been shocked / disgusted by the whole thing

ASK FOR A RECORDED MEDICAL

It is not possible to have a PIP medical recorded by the assessment provider. The claimant can, with advance permission in writing, record the interview his/herself but must make 2 identical recordings and give one to the assessor at the end. The recording device must not be digital.

Hi Yorkiegal73, thanks for all your helpful info. I hope things turned out well for you. I'm shocked at the assessor chatting about you like that. I'd have thought that would be a breach of confidentiality. Ever more worrying...

Hi All. Thought I'd add to this thread as I had my PIP assessment this morning. I am bipolar and suffer with extreme anxiety as well as having problems with both knees following a serious car accident. My sister accompanied me in case I forgot anything.

I'd just like to say that the assessor was very pleasant and seemed sympathetic and fair. She asked the usual questions such as could I manage the stairs in my home and who looks after my garden. She asked me to touch my toes and put my arms over my head etc but didn't touch me at all. She asked about my lifestyle, ie how often do I go shopping and where do I shop. There didn't appear to be any 'trick' questions.

Hopefully I will get the result I deserve but we shall have to wait and see.