PIP home assessment impending

Hello everyone,

I have a PIP home assessment coming up. I have a genetic condition that affects connective tissue (largely a heart issue at the moment, but affects the whole body and causes fainting), as well as mental health problems including psychosis.

I have been told to expect a home visit from ATOS in two days time.

Any information anyone can point me to about this experience would be hugely appreciated. I've read horror stories about them going around the whole house, marking you down for owning DVDs, etc.

I've already been through a tribunal - and won - for DLA, but the experience made me very unwell for some months after, and I'm trying to avoid that happening again.

Hello Gabi

I am sorry you are faced with the worry of face-to-face home interview; hopefully it won't be as painful as you are anticipating.

First and foremost' they'' are looking for anything which does not accord with your symptoms; obviously if you have a well used home gym then they might be concerned!! Otherwise, what they want to know is how your illness affects you. Read through your copy of the form you filled in, remind yourself HOW you have described your problems and how they affect you. I should not have thought, however, that the fact you have agreed to or requested a home visit, means you have invited ATOS to go through your home without your permission.

Most importantly, have someone with you who knows you and can support you so that if you are feeling unwell/distressed during the interview he or she can stand up for you and express concern that you are being asked to do something that is damaging to yourself.

No one can make you do something that upsets or distresses you. Remember that.

I hope things go well for you.

Thank you - I've found reports of people being marked down for maintaining eye contact, watching soap operas etc, and it's daunting.

(Would it be oaky for you to edit my name out of your post? I didn't realise it would use my name and I want to retain anonymity.)

I managed to get a home visit by ATOS, after telling them on the application form that I was likely to lose control of my bladder at their centre, that I needed them to supply a bariatric wheelchair and that I couldn't manage their steps (the Glasgow centre has steps up to the main door and in their reception area).

I was absolutely shaking with fear after having read some utter horror stories on here. It actually reminded me of women that gleefully tell pregnant friends how horrific their labour/delivery was!

As it turned out, the girl that appeared was lovely. I asked what her job is and she is a mental nurse, which we had a joke about. She was very kind and sweet and simply went over some of the questions that I had already answered on my application form. So I would definitely take note of what the previous poster said and actually see if you can have a copy of your application form with answers, with you. It's very difficult when put on the spot to even remember all your medications, aids that you use in everyday life (you often never think of them as aids until it's brought to your attention) and I pointed this out to the girl that interviewed me. The only observation that she made obvious to me was that she noticed that when I answered the door for her (I lived in a top floor flat then - intercom system), that I opened the door then sat on a stool i had near the door, in order to catch my breath whilst she came up. This showed her that after walking literally five metres I was out of breath.

I would think that if someone comes to interview you, then keeping the tv on and volume up is basic bad manners! I don't think that avoiding eye contact indicates any "guilt" or fraud, it just indicates that you are nervous or uncomfortable, both of which are totally normal under the circumstances. I made sure that I looked fresh and clean, but I stayed in my smart pyjamas and zipped dressing gown, as that is what I do normally, so I didn't want to give a false impression that I am able to dress every day and do so.

Very best of luck with your interview. PLEASE try not to worry, as I'm sure the majority of interviewers have the best intentions of the clients at heart.

Thanks, everyone.

My assessment is tomorrow. I've helpfully gone down with a kidney infection just to make things interesting.

Does anyone know if it's okay for me to have a copy of my forms with me? I know I'll get nervous and forget things.