Phone assessments

My partner has CFS/fibromyalgia. He has been turned down in the past for PIP. So it's taken considerable effort to get him to try and reapply. We are at the assessment stage and due to his fatigue, we have asked for a phone assessment. (As reasonable adjustment.) I have two questions about this.

1) What can we do to be ready for this, I know that they will be trying to see if what is stated on the form is accurate or not, so will have a copy with us.

2) Can I advocate on his behalf, if he gives consent? Ie answer their questions? I'm just really aware this is going to stress him beforehand, and this will cause fatigue. Which will cause him to struggle with answering the questions. Whilst I appreciate this may support his claim, I don't want him to spend the next few months in relapse!

Many thanks for you help

K

Hi Kate,

I have a family member who claims enhanced for both who suffers with Fibromyalgia, so I would persue with this.

1/ I would say make a bulletproof list of points that you think the assessor could ask. Unfortunately, there isn't no guarantee on the questions, so it's just guess work, but all you can do is prepare best you can. I would also say to use the guides on this website, to help advise you and prep you ready for this.

2/ Yes this can be done. My family member who claims for Fibro ( as mentioned above ) - he tried the assessment and found it way too overwhelming, so his partner had to deal with it on his behalf.

Hope this helps - Chris.