IAS telephone assessment issues

Hi Karen

I have moved your post. We ask members not to post a question in someone else's post as it can get confusing and lead to someone getting an incorrect answer.

You say that you want us to expand on "pets/driving/direct debit/banana" bits - but I'm not sure what you mean.

If you have your phone assessment on Thursday, you should read the appropriate pages from the Guide to PIP claims and reviews regarding the types of questions you will be asked. (Page 123) Be aware - they won't necessarily ask all of them. benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip

You can expect them to ask a question that is a 'curveball', which may throw you off. This week one member was asked what school he went to and want form he was in - something that should be irrelevant to his PIP application. A relative of mine was asked about the job title they last held! If you get a question like that, give yourself a moment if you need to think and take a drink of water - but if you don't know, just say so and try not to let it put you in a spin.

Driving - this comes up as an issue for many claimants; some say that they have been turned down for PIP because they drive. The fact is there are many people who do drive and are also awarded PIP - but the DWP/assessors can take an unsympathetic view of someone who says they are unable to lift heavy pans and cook a meal but also says they drive an unadapted car which requires a certain amount of body strength.

Pets -I have known this to come up in an assessment - generally, dog owners and how often they may leave the house and walk.

If you have any specific questions - come back and ask and we will try and help.

I hope your assessment goes well for you.

BIS