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Unexpected PIP assessment by phone

  • Fiona
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23 hours 37 minutes ago #306497 by Fiona
Unexpected PIP assessment by phone was created by Fiona
I've had something happen that I think is odd and I'd be interested to see what the mods think. At the moment I'm not sure whether to be relieved or worried! Sorry it's quite a long post.

To give some background, I applied for PIP in April and got a text a couple of weeks ago saying that a health professional was looking at my form. I gather this is standard so wasn't concerned. However since then, things have taken an odd turn. I got a phone call on Friday to say they would like a 15 minute call to discuss my claim. This was arranged for Monday.

Before the talk started they said if they thought they wouldn't get all the information needed in that time, they would refer me through for a full assessment. This turned out to be the case and they said I should get an assessment appointment in 2-3 weeks. It seems to have been some sort of pre-assessment assessment if that makes sense?

Fast forward to yesterday mid afternoon and I get a phone call from the assessment people to say they wanted to bring forward my assessment appointment on 2nd July to yesterday afternoon at 4pm as theyd had a cancellation. Much confusion from me as at that stage no notification had come through (though it did later in the afternoon) I was a bit flustered but was concerned if I didn't agree it would be seen as refusing to co-operate so agreed. It was a telephone one, whereas the one for 2nd July would gave been a video.

The assessor himself appeared friendly enough and reasonably knowledgeable. I answered his questions honestly and didn't contradict myself with anything that was on my form. Some of my answers to him weren't as detailed as i would have liked though as he moved on quite quickly. There were a number of times when he asked the same question at different times in the assessment and he also contradicted himself later at different times. If i noticed this I did say something along the lines of "No, that's not what I said, I said xxxxxx" I made sure I was polite throughout.

In all the assessment took over 2 hours and I was absolutely exhausted. I did need to use the bathroom during the assessment and said 2 or 3 times I was tired - one of my issues is that I lose focus if fatigued and I was aware this was happening. I think what I'd really like to know is any of the above unusual and if I should be concerned? I've convinced myself since the assessment that I made a complete mess of it and will get 0 points for both daily living and mobility.

Any thoughts and opinions would be gratefully received. Thanks

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17 hours 28 minutes ago #306537 by BIS
Replied by BIS on topic Unexpected PIP assessment by phone
Hi Fiona

You did what you thought was right, and if you were happy to accept a sudden change - that's fine - but if that ever happens again, you don't have to agree, unless you want to.

You didn't mention whether the assessment was recorded. I hope so.

You can ring the DWP tomorrow and ask for a copy of the assessment report. - It's a PA4

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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  • Fiona
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15 hours 28 minutes ago #306544 by Fiona
Replied by Fiona on topic Unexpected PIP assessment by phone
Hi BIS

Thanks for your response. To be honest, I'd have preferred to stick to the 2nd July but was concerned about them deciding I was turning down an assessment. Thanks for the info about not having to agree, that's very helpful.

I did record it (on 2 separate devices in case one messed up). I also told them I was recording it. I'll also contact the DWP and ask for the PA4 as you suggest.

Thanks again, I'll let you know how I get on.

Fiona

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