PIP assesment later this week.

Hi

I suffer with Meniere's disease, chronic anxiety, depression and various debilitating affects as a result of my health problems.

I have my PIP assessment this week and I am currently feeling very uneasy and terrified about the event. My history of anxiety and panic attacks goes back over 35 years plus during which time I have welcomed and engaged in therapy with psychologist and therapists. I have a confirmed diagnosis of Meniere's disease and experience regular rotary attacks which incapacitate me for up-to 48 hours.

Both the anxiety and meniere's disease affect my ability to go out and I live in fear of the panic attacks and having rotary attacks of the Meniere's. I have become socially isolated and only feel at ease when in my comfort zone.

I requested a home visit on my PIP form but this has been ignored so I have to face the consultation with a HP this week.

I watched the Dispatches documentary on channel 4 last week which was probably not a good idea as I now feel sick with worry and fear the worst.

Can anyone offer any advice on how to deal/cope with the PIP assessment and would I be able to take notes/pointers to assist myself with the assessment as I feel the experience will overpower my ability to concentrate and maybe answer questions in full.

Thank you in anticipation.

Ash

Hi Ash and Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explain where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work

I'm sorry that you are going through this and that it is all so traumatic for you

You can take someone with you to the assessment if you wish and they are allowed to take written notes. You must be aware that how you travel to the assessment centre will be taken into account, including the mode of transport and how far you had to walk etc. You might also be observed as you arrive at, and leave, the venue.

What to expect on the day can be found in our PIP guide

PIP help for claimants

For future reference, you are very unlikely to be given a home assessment unless you back this up with a letter from your GP explaining why this is the case.

You should Bookmark/Favourite this page in your Internet Browser now.

That way you can return to this topic easily to pose any further queries that you may have by replying to the topic.

See : This Topic also !

Thanks in anticipation of your future co-operation in keeping all your PIP related queries to this topic !

Hi Again

Thanks for the suggestions and points you raised.

I will be taking my partner with me and will ask her to take notes where she feels it necessary.

I started to read the 84 page claim guide last night and again today and I would be great-full if someone could explain the significance of the following possible questions I may get asked on pages 72;

Do you watch TV?
Do you use a computer?
Do you have friends?

Thank you

Ash

The assessor will draw conclusions from your answers to these questions.

For instance, if you say you watch TV and like football they will assume that you have the dexterity to switch on the TV , have no problems sitting for several hours and can concentrate for this length of time too. If you have to lie down to watch it, loose track partway through or anything else that negates those assumptions you must make that clear.

Thanks Gordon & Mrs Hurtyback for your replies which I appreciate.

I have had to take some time out today from reading the guides etc as it was all getting a bit to much and to be honest reduced me to tears.

Having read the replies I can not help but feel that the whole PIP process is somewhat a battle of whits to grind people down,

Earlier today I got myself in a bit of a state to the point I felt I could not cope with it all and considered throwing the towel in but my cynical mind tells me that is what the system may be hoping people will do. Tonight I feel a little more positive so have decided that as this is my first encounter with PIP (from DLA) I should see it through.

I lack confidence and self esteem so it is very hard to see a possible outcome from what has been an incredibly anxious and worrying period.

I am counting the hours now till Friday when I have my assessment and will report my findings on the experience and then later the outcome.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply to my messages.

Ash