PIP face to face consultation

Tracey wrote: Hi can you give me some advice,I've been on ESA support group an been on dla for 5 years .I recieved the pip invite so I filled the form in I've been totally stressed out I've been under the mental health act for many years I have personality disorder,self harmed,I never go out only appointment if i can make it out the front door very anxious an paranoid when I go anywhere my daughter cares an comes with me I am on a lot of medicaine where it makes me drowsy bit coherent,I've just had letter I have to go for face to face assessment I don't know what to do I can't sleep I can't stop thinking about the assessment it's totally freaking me I can feel me thinking bad thoughts is there anyway I can contact someone to ask if they can do a paper assessment an if I cancel this appointment will my payments stop please help.

I'm afraid your options are limited.

The decision that a face to face is required is made by the Assessment Provider (AP) and is determined by whether they believe that they have sufficient information to make a recommendation to the DWP.

That doesn't mean it's a lost cause but you will need to take action to try and change the decision.

First of all, would a home assessment be something that you could manage? If it is then you will need your GP to write to the AP explaining why you cannot attend at their premises.

If even a home appointment will be too much then I would still speak to your GP about the situation as they may still be able to contact the AP and explain your issues.

It is possible that your GP will say that if the AP needs information they will contact them for it. If an assessment has been booked then the point in the process where this might happen has passed and they need to step up and help you now!

You can also try and involve your MP, the decision remains with the AP but if they are teetering about a paper assessment, it may push them over the edge to find in your favour.

Contacting your MP

I do have to warn you that if the decision for an assessment is not changed then your claim cannot progress. You will only be given two opportunities to attend after which your file will be returned to the DWP for them to make a Decision. It is possible that they will send your file back to the AP again but it is far more likely that they will close your PIP Claim which will in turn result in your DLA claim being closed as well.

If we can provide more information then please reply to this post and we will do our best to help.

Gordon

Tracey

If the AP has decided that you need a face to face then it because there is not enough information in and with your PIP2 for them to make a recommendation without seeing you.

So your options are to attend or to try and provide additional information that will enable them to make a paper based assessment. The best additional information that you can supply will be from those who treat you on a regular basis, your GP is going to be the most accessible of these. which is why I suggest you speak to them about the issue.

Gordon

Tracey wrote: Thankyou Gorden for your help sorry to go on but you didn't say if my daughter will have to come into assessment room an will she be questioned to.Ive never been so distressed I'm getting to the point to not go through with any of it feel so low an depressed with the whole situation but thankyou for your help.

It's not impossible that the assessor would ask your daughter a few questions but I think it unlikely, they will only be interested in what you have to say.

Gordon