PIP telephoning me. Please help

Hi Pauline,
I am sorry to hear that you are worried about your forthcoming assessment. I don't know why DWP said this would be done with the GP. This isn't normally what happens - the GP may be contacted to give health information about the claimant, but this isn't usually an assessment. I suspect that DWP have not really explained what is happening. Unfortunately this happens quite often!
Firstly, since presumably you highlighted communication issues on your PIP form, then the Assessor will expect these problems, so don't worry about this. You can write down a list of important things to say and refer to the list if needed.
it may well be of assistance if someone was with you, to prompt if necessary. Maybe there is a neighbour who knows you? I don't have an IT background, but it may be possible to eg get a relative on skype via a computer at the same time as the call.
Otherwise there may be local support groups who could help. Your GP may have a list of such groups. (Volunteers who help with either physical tasks such as gardening or housework, or to help with phone calls or paperwork.) Failing that a local church may have volunteers who provide help, even if you are not religious.
As for the content of the phone assessment, it is hard to predict exactly what will be said. Normally the assessor will go through your illness/disability, how/what/when etc and might discuss medication. There is often a discussion about your typical day. Sometimes there are more direct questions about specific PIP activities.
The typical day questions would ask about what you do when you get up, can you wash yourself, do you cook a meal etc. It's sort of an indirect way of getting the information. Common pitfalls are driving. Unfortunately DWP have the mindset that driving ability equates to ability to do virtually everything! (You drive, so you can chop a potato, you can remember how to operate a car, and arrive somewhere therefore you can remember to take your medicine.....)
The important thing to remember is to tell the truth. If you feel you are getting confused, or can no longer cope then ask for a break or tell the assessor you need to finish. (This is where having a supporter or friend can really help, as the assessor can't see you, and may not realise you can't cope.) Take a moment to process the question. If you are nervous and worried, it is easy just to start replying immediately, and of course your answer may not then make sense. If you do take a moment you can think properly about the question which should help you to formulate the answer. Make sure you have a cup of coffee or glass of water. Maybe a pen to make notes. Your supporter if present can also make notes. It is a matter for you if you wish to make a recording,
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants - this is the link to the members guides, which will have more information about assessments and making recordings. (Page 93 is particularly relevant.)
Once the assessment is done, maybe 2 or 3 days later phone DWP and ask for a copy of the report (PA4). Some of the DWP advisors get a bit awkward about this, but you are entitled to a copy. If so, politely hang up. Phone again and it is likely you will get another more helpful advisor!) If you do need to appeal, then having the form can be very useful to contradict assumptions made by DWP as a result.
One final point, if you think a phone assessment will be disadvantageous, and you can get this confirmed by your GP, you can ask for a face to face appointment. However, if this is agreed, then it will probably take a long time to get this arranged, which I suspect may just heighten your anxiety. On that basis, since your phone assessment is not long away, it may be preferable to deal with this, and be done with it.
I always liken assessments to going to the dentist. No one likes dentistry, but it is a necessary evil to be rid of toothache. Having ongoing toothache is far worse! So yes, the assessment is likely to be a challenge, but take it at your pace, be yourself, don't worry too much, and it will be soon over. Hopefully then, you will be awarded the PIP that you are entitled to receive.
In the meantime, try not to worry unduly.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
LL26

Hi Loubylou and denby

Thank you both very much for your sound advice from different perspectives.

It does give encouragement to fellow members hearing other peoples experiences.

Gary