Capita Visit Next Week

Hi All,

I have a visit by Capita next week regarding PIP and have never gone through this process before. Can anyone give me any idea of what to expect?
I had spinal surgery 3 weeks ago and have problems with movement, can't grip much, feet numb, can't dress or shower myself basically can't do much.
My girlfriend helps me out with everything otherwise I wouldn't be able to do much at all. She is a one to one carer with a lady works there 30 hours per week and the rest of the time cares for me.
Up until 6 months ago I worked full time now can't get out of bed without help.
Sorry for going on but not sure what to expect.
Thanks in advance.

Try also
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-indep...-medical-assessments

Also, search for and download the DWP's Pip Assessment Guide, parts 1 and 2, and have a read through them. That will give you some idea of what the Health Professional is looking for, and what you need to do to be awarded points.

Try:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-...aim/your-assessment/

Also, have a look at the sample report linked to on this page:
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip#claims
It will give you an idea of the sort of thing the Health Professional will be looking to write down about you.

That apart, be very aware that you will be "on show" (and providing ammunition for them) for the whole of the time the HP is there. (Ours said "thank you, the interview's over", but still reported back on things which happened after the interview was supposedly over). (I was even wondering out loud only earlier today whether the cab company they get to take you home from an assessment centre if necessary is in on the act as well, but I may just be paranoid!)

One of the things they'll want to do is a musculoskeletal assessment to see how much movement etc. you have in your limbs and torso. DO NOT feel obliged to comply with this if it's going to cause you pain or discomfort - as I expect it will, so short a time after spinal surgery - and don't try to force it. Just explain that you can't do it without pain, fatigue or whatever.

Do not assume that the HP will have read your paperwork, and/or taken everything in. Assume that you have to repeat yourself from the original questionnaire, and dot all the i's and cross the t's. Give him/her as clear a picture as you can, and don't leave room for him/her to make assumptions if you can help it. Clarification, clarification, clarification ...

You won't be able to record a f2f at home using recording equipment, but I would strongly advise having someone with you to note down independently what's done, the questions asked, the answers given and so on. That way it will make it easier for you to pick their arguments to pieces and catch them out in anything which isn't true when it comes to the mandatory reconsideration and appeal (*always* expect to have to go through those). (Cynical, moi? No, just once bitten, twice shy) Also, keep a record of how you felt during the assessment, and the effect of its aftermath on you. In fact, write down as much as you can about the experience, because it'll be months before you get a decision, and you may not remember too accurately by the time you get the decision letter.

Best of luck!