Clarifying what is asked at a PIP Face to Face

Hi Camly91

The questions you are asked depend on what you filled in on the form and the evidence that you submitted and the assessor themselves. The form the assessor fills in during the assessment is the same for everyone.

Whether you have complex conditions or not, the assessor's main focus is on your ability to meet or not meet the criteria in the questions. not about the conditions themselves. Most assessors will walk through the questions (on the form) in order, but then they might ask you something which seems completely unrelated eg. what was your last job title, how do you manage stairs if you have a limited grip?

The questions in the guide are not an exhaustive list so be prepared that the assessor may throw in something you are not expecting.

They also may not ask you a question you are expecting simply because they believe you have already provided them with the information. (The trouble is that they won't always tell you that during the assessment).

Be prepared, but it is impossible to be absolutely certain the direction the questions will go. It isn't an exam (though some people may say it feels like that). If you don't understand, if you want more time to answer or you need to consult your notes do so.

When the decision is made, it is made not just on the assessment, but also what you wrote and the evidence submitted, so if you forget to say something, but it was submitted in your evidence, it should not count against you.

BIS

Hi Camyl91

If the assessment is held in a centre they use PIPAT software (where they can see all the notes and records online for your claim - but this is not available in someones home. However, the final form all Assessor have to complete is a PA4 Medical Consultation Report.

• The evidence the health professional has looked at, such as a report from your GP.
• A list of all your health conditions.
• A history of your conditions, including recent hospital visits and tests.
• Your current medication and any treatment.
• Your social and occupational history, including who you live with and your current or former job.
• A functional history, including how you spend a typical day and night and any hobbies and interests you have. This section should also include details of how your condition varies and the effect of factors such as pain, fatigue and breathlessness. Any aids or appliances you use should also be listed in this section.
• A description of your general appearance.
• Where relevant, assessments of your:
o mentalstate
o vision, speech and hearing
o cardiovascular/respiratorysystem
o musculoskeletalsystem
o centralnervoussystem
o othersystems(skin,abdomen,etc.).
• Informal observations (see below for details of these).
• The descriptors the HP considers apply to you.
• How long your difficulties with daily living and/or mobility have lasted and are likely to
continue for.
• A summary justification for the conclusions the HP has reached about the effects of your
condition(s).

All the details are in the PIP guide.

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I am sure you are aware if you have read any other posts or read the newsletters - some people have a bad experience with assessors and some like myself have been fortunate to have a good one. Try not to worry about mentioning everything because you can't and you'll drive yourself mad afterwards thinking you should have mentioned something you didn't.

BIS

Hi Camyll91

Some seem to read (mine had) and others don't. It seems that some don't want to pre-judge before they meet the claimant. Think of that what you will.

I had a home visit and the assessor came with copies of my form and evidence and that's the experience of other people I know who have had home visits.

BIS