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PIP Medical and mental health questions

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6 years 1 day ago #230469 by MyHipsHurt
PIP Medical and mental health questions was created by MyHipsHurt
Hi

I have recently had my PIP medical/assessment. My husband accompanied me and was able to answer some of the questions himself as I was struggling right from the start.

When it came to the specific mental health questions regarding how the diagnosed ptsd, anxiety and depression symptoms affected me, the assessor refused to allow my husband to answer or contribute in any way at all. I completely froze at the questions. I became overwhelmed and couldn't speak (my ptsd had been triggered). My husband stated that he was able to describe how this affected me but she said she had to hear it direct from me and nothing else would do.

This lead to a long silence from me, unable to speak, whilst she continued to ask me to answer directly. It was very clear I was struggling and there was substantial and detailed written evidence in front of her from my clinical psychologist.

Eventually I said a few words, but was not able to fully explain myself.

Is it correct that she had to absolutely insist that I speak in those circumstances, when she accepted my husband speaking for all the other questions?
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6 years 1 hour ago #230500 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP Medical and mental health questions
MyHipsHurt

It's at the assessor's discretion whether they allow a companion to speak on behalf of the claimant, even if they allowed your husband to speak earlier in the interview, it does not follow that they have to later on.

You should be able to request a copy of the assessment report by contacting the DWP office dealing with your claim.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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