PIP telephone assessment - mobility

Looking for advice if possible, please.

I had a PIP telephone assessment on Monday 13th which I described in an unrelated thread to this and although I’m relieved that that part of my claim is over and done with I’m finding myself worrying over one part of the assessment.

I expected the assessor to ask more questions about my mobility problems/limitations than they actually did ie only 2 or 3 at the most if I recall correctly were asked – how I manage to get around my home and descending stairs (even though he acknowledged I didn’t venture outside my home). He seemed to concentrate more on my care needs throughout (cooking/hygiene/medication/paying bills etc). I know no one can give a definitive answer but is this lack of mobility questions, anything to worry about - as in I put in enough info on my claim so they had enough details or that they are not considering the mobility part of my claim at all? I wasn't asked how far I could walk/how does it affect me etc., neither was asked about nor mentioned whatsoever.

It was only after the call had finished and I calmed myself down that I realised my mobility limitations/problems didn't feature very much in the assessment at all. I tried not to read too much of others’ assessment posts before the assessment as I was frightened enough as it was but since Monday I’ve read so many and the majority mention a lot regarding mobility that I’m hoping I’m now just scaring myself unnecessarily so. I know I probably sound silly but it has been preying on my mind.

Many thanks.

Hello Sia and BIS. I have just had my telephone assessment which lasted for 1 hour and 7 minutes, this included time I asked her questions. The assessor didn't ask me much in way of mobility questions either but I had sent in lots of supporting evidence some showing maximum distances I could manage. She asked what aids I used for walking asked what aids I have in my bungalow. She asked if there were any stairs/steps leading into the property. She never asked about how far I could walk so I mentioned it myself. She appeared friendly and had said she was a nurse and understood about my issues and daily health problems. All we can do is wait and hope we get the entitlement which we deserve.
I will be asking DWP for a copy of the assessment report and hope it arrives prior to any decision in case I want to clarify anything. Good luck Sia.

Thanks for your reply BIS.

I've since given myself a strong talking to since my post and I'm going to do my best not to think and/or worry about it until the envelope actually arrives. I've had this all hanging over my head since August 2019, the thought of another 8 weeks of stress is too much really when the reality is there's not a thing I can do about their decision at this stage.

Maybe nearer the time I'll start reading the MR guide in readiness so I'll be prepared if needed.

Thanks again.

Hi furry

Thanks for your reply, very helpful and reassuring. My assessor was a nurse also and although he didn't acknowledge knowing much about my illness(es) either way seemed to have read my form and additional sheets from the things he mentioned throughout the assessment - which it seems more than some do from what I've learned since.

I'll phone DWP early next week or so for a copy of the report. I just feel a few days break from it all will hopefully do me some good as I feel as though I've gone over saturation point at the moment.

I wish you well in your claim also. Thanks again.

Just to say that getting a copy of the report can be really useful. At best it shows you had nothing to worry about and at worst you have more time to prepare for asking for a Mandatory Reconsideration if needed. Suffering with anxiety myself I know how much time and effort can go into replaying what was said or not said and the sooner I have something definite to actually deal with, the faster my anxiety levels fall somewhat.