PIP medical now waiting for outcome

My daughters DLA was coming to an end in June - she was asked to complete a PIP and within a week of returning it received an appointment from ATOS for a face to face consultation. This was despite her questionnaire stating she has difficulty in planning a route - suffers with anxiety and almost agoraphobic, and requesting a home visit. I also felt this would have given them the evidence they needed to see how her disability affected her,.

The appointment was given miles away although they do have a centre very close to where she lives. Obviously she could not attend without an escort and I had to arrange time off work to take her as her husband who is her carer, has poor health at this time.

After a struggle she did leave her house and I drove her to her ATOS medical - finding the assessment centre was a nightmare for me even tho I am quite competent in finding places. As we were driving around looking for the centre - her anxiety was increasing and I thought at one point I would have to abandon the idea - which I had pre-warned DWP and ATOS this might happen.

Having read various posts on the medical I was reasonably prepared. The person who assessed her was a male and I asked his profession [physiotherapist]. I made a point of asking do you have mental health understanding he said yes but has never been in a CMHT, setting. He was at pains to point out he was not the DM which we both nodded but I added much of the decision would be based on your assessment.

On the whole he was very good, very patient and explained he would be typing answers and not ignoring her. He listened to what she had to say and gave her time to say, even allowing me to speak for her at the times she seemed blank. He took all the additional evidence and promised to send it to the DWP - this included a letter from her GP - daily diary written by her husband and a letter of support.

How it went I do not know, as I also take note from various posts that quite often the HCP report does not always reflect the difficulties people have with their disability. I am already preparing myself for a MR / appeal based on what others have written.

Now it is a question of waiting - and ask what is the average waiting time for a decision from DLA to PIP.

If we are successful it will be down to this site - The same applies if we do have to go to the appeal it is invaluable