Post ESA / PIP assessment debrief

Good evening ,
Last Thursday I had my WCA and today I had my PIP assessment. I know there’s nothing I can do now; it’s all in their hands but just wanted to share my experience to see if it is “normal” (whatever normal is!!). As I am starting to question what I said / didn’t say and trying to work out if I have been successful.

WCA: This seemed to go a lot better than I expected it to. By better I mean, the assessor was pleasant, understanding and used wording that appeared she was “on my side” for example saying sentences like “so your sleep is affected then” “so you lack motivation towards..”. I felt as though I wasn’t justifying myself, I was merely confirming what was in my ESA questionnaire. I felt she fully understood my conditions and already said what I was going to say, I just agreed / confirmed / added to when needed. She gave me a warm smile and encouraging looks, she even sort of winked at me at times but I would imagine this is just her manner / expression, perhaps didn’t realise she was doing it? I’m under absolutely no illusions, I went into this very prepared having read everything I possibly could on here so I know they can come across as very nice and friendly, and can fool you. I was sure to not smile or engage in friendly banter and just stuck to what was needed from me for the assessment. I genuinely don’t know what to think!

PIP: My PIP assessment was very different. I felt like I was sitting an exam, I felt like I was being treated like a fraud, I felt like I was having to justify everything (which I do appreciate is what these assessments are for to a certain extent). The lady was not necessarily unkind or unpleasant, she was smiley and polite, but quite business like and to the point, occasionally speaking over me, and once trying to claim I got in a financial mess just because I did not because of my mental health; I reminded her that I have had mental health problems since 2005, so it is as a result of my mental health. She had a look on her face that I can only describe as an “I don’t believe you” face; as if she didn’t t believe what I was saying. Whether this is just her natural facial expression and I’m being paranoid I’m not sure. Perhaps it’s part of their training to have a particular facial expression. She warmed up after the assessment had finished and appeared to show some understanding towards my situation.

Sorry for being long winded but it has helped to offload here and I hope someone will be able to have a read end heloput my mind at ease regarding my experiences. I know you can’t comment on how successful I may have been or not been of course just a general reassurance over the whole experience.

Thank you

Jenny

Thank you!

My PIP assessment lasted an hour and a half, not sure if that’s a good or bad sign?!

I know though, like you say it’s impossible to tell!

What are the average waiting times for PIP and ESA decisions please?

Also, when it comes to MR and appeals, how long does that process tend to take?

Thank you

Jenny