Traumatising PIP assessment

Hello again

I had my PIP assessment today and it was horrendous.

I have mental health issues and as soon as I got into the room and tried to give the hp a new medical letter, she told me to stop shuffling through papers and just answer the questions so we can get 'this over with' and I can 'get my money'!! She said the latter statement at least three times even adding 'and spend it on what you want' and 'spend it on therapy'.

She asked me whether I ever had dark thoughts and when I answered she replied that 'this isn't a therapy session, just answer the questions'.

I have a trauma disorder and felt thoroughly traumatised and triggered by it all. The hp asked questions in rapid succession and didn't give me time to answer, much less to think about and frame an accurate reply. I frequently said 'I don't know'. I had a list of pertinent points written for me by an exCAB person who was supposed to accompany me but I made a mistake with the dates so had to go alone, not ideal. I tried to look at these papers as I couldn't remember dates, information, etc. but the hp continued to say 'just answer the questions so you can get your money'.

I found it patronising and insulting and also feel I didn't get a fair chance to put forward my case. The assessment was between 20 and 30 mins, not sure but it was quick.

I guess I can't be sure but I feel doomed.

I'm sorry the assessment was so awful for you However, we have given up trying to guess the eventual decision from the way the face2face was conducted, the two things seem to bear no relation to each other!

You can request a copy if the assessor's report if you wish, Give it a couple of days to get there, then contact DWP.

Other than that, I'm afraid all you can do is wait, PIP decisions are currently taking 2-4 weeks.

Thank you Mrs Hurtyback.

I'm going to wait for the decision, the report might make things worse!!!

I just wanted to let you know that I was actually awarded standard daily living which was a real shock. Only 4 points for mobility though.

Thank you very much for your support, advice and of course the guides. I'm not sure whether to make a complaint but I know I should as the traumatising nature of the assessment wasn't necessary.

Hi Swanlake,

I'm very glad that your terrible experience with the assessment at least resulted in an award.

Your MP might like to hear about how you were treated -

Contacting your MP

tags @ RESULTS @ PIP

Thank you Mrs Hurtyback.

Unfortunately, my MP is a Tory. Not sure he'll even care but I agree I should do it.

Thank you again for your support, it's really appreciated.