Face to Face meeting

Hi all

I wonder if someone can help. I applied for PIP a couple of years ago, attended a face to face interview and was awarded standard rate daily living allowance. At the time, I was disappointed not to receive anything towards mobility as I am in constant pain with a back problem and struggle with standing still or walking any distance. I queried the decision, giving examples such as not being able to go and get glasses as I found it too difficult to walk from the car to the opticians and similarly that, although I was walking, I now have a specific parking space because otherwise I can't walk from the car to my desk. The person on the other end of the phone said that just because I had difficulty doing those things didn't count. They did agree that I struggled but I didn't score enough points.

Since my award, things have deteriorated and I have more difficulties, including reduced mobility in my left arm and constant pain in my neck and shoulder, as well as the original pain in the left side of my lower back, affecting my back, hips and legs. My GP advised me to contact DWP and let them know I had deteriorated. Anyway, I had to resubmit my form and have a face to face on Friday of this week.

I am getting myself in a real state about Friday - although I work mornings, I struggle with the ability to concentrate because of the amount of medication I take. My husband is taking me but I get easily upset (due to depression) and struggle to concentrate. One of the factors the doctor advised me to mention was that I am so exhausted and in so much pain by the time I've finished work, I literally have to come home, sit down and sleep. Once home from work, I am pretty useless - one day a week I drive to meet my 9 year old from work but the rest of the time she comes home with other people. I tend to sit in the lounge and either sleep or rest, affected by the pain killers. My children tease me for the fact that I can start a conversation and fall asleep part way through the conversation and that tends to be the pattern for my afternoon and evenings. Weekends are spent in much the same way. Because of this, apart from work and church most Sundays, I don't go out because I'm in too much pain and too tired.

How do I get this across to the assessor on Friday? I really don't want to have to sit and explain everything again, but know I have to. I don't want to get upset talking to him/her and make a fool of myself. Does anyone have any tips or advice that may help please?

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It is unlikely that the assessor will ask direct questions about your limitations. Rather, inferences will be drawn from your replies to questions such as 'for how many minutes can you walk?' Have a look at our PIP guides so that you know what to expect (there have also been some changes to guidelines etc recently).

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