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6 years 6 months ago #197314 by Debbie
Facebook question was created by Debbie
Hi. I had my medical for pip today. She didn't examine me ad she said I can see you are in pain. She was very nice and helped me through the medical as she could see I was struggling and got upset with the pain. She said the questions were over and escorted me out of the building. Is this normal. I thought I would leave on my own. Im not dure if she was being helpful or assessing me on the way out, but she had finished her questions unless she carries on writing up afterwards. Also one of the questions she asked was if I was on face book. She didn't make a big deal about it but don't know why she asked this. I told her I was. Please advise.

Are these assessors given a financial incentive to get as many off DLA as possible.

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6 years 6 months ago #197321 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Facebook question
Debbie

My guess is that they were assessing you walking capability.

The typing that the assessor does during the interview is simply to record your answers to their questions, the actual report is written after the end of the assessment.

The question about Facebook is about your ability to socialise with others, assessors don't seem to understand that the requirement is for face to face contact.

It's an urban myth and not a very good one that assessors are paid to fail claimants, they are paid by the report and nothing more.

You should be able to request a copy of the report next week by contacting the DWP office dealing with your claim.

PIP Decisions are taking around 2-4 weeks.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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6 years 6 months ago #197407 by Sparklykoi
Replied by Sparklykoi on topic Facebook question
I've had a home assessment today for PIP after waiting 4 months. We had to make a complaint as they did not offer an appointment after refusing the first one because of distance. My carer explained in the complaint that they already knew from DLA I was registered disabled and why, so by refusing an adjustment they were willingly breaking DDA. Then after a wait I was offered a home assessment. The assessor didn't turn up the first time (off sick) and didn't contact us. Carer rearranged for today.
I was asked about use of social media, specifically Facebook, who do I talk to on mobile phone, use laptop, use tv. When asked about distance I explained fatigue and pain affect it so varies. She said no, how far can you walk we know that you have pain and fatigue anyway regardless. If you stop how long for. So it was difficult to answer as everything has to fit in their tick box. Assessment took over an hour. A few physical tests. Lifting feet, stand on tiptoes. Driving - how many days, how do you get in car, where do you go, does someone go with you. Can you peel a carrot and cook it. She looked in bathroom. I'm in a bad place now but I wanted to add my story. Hope it helps. It would have helped to have a diary next to me as lots. Of questions about how many times during the day do you do this and that, how many times a week are you depressed, how many times a month do you see GP. I don't think I will get PIP as I just got confused and probably contradicted myself as I was so tired and in pain. So basically keep notes of everything you do everyday if you know you are having assessment in future.

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6 years 6 months ago #197447 by Debbie
Replied by Debbie on topic Facebook question
Hi. It sounds like you have had a terrible time. Some of the questions are ridiculous. I told them I was on fb but I added that I was on self help groups e.g. fibromyalgia group. What do they think you are doing, sitting all day on fb therefore you are in the best of health. I'm sure even Steven Hawkins goes on the internet and reads electronic books as he's always on the web. I'm sure he can't climb mount Everest. Makes me so mad. Let me know how you get on. Debi
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6 years 6 months ago #197460 by Sparklykoi
Replied by Sparklykoi on topic Facebook question
I think it was because I stated I find socialising in groups difficult becuase of pain and mobility probs - it's just too much hassle and anxiety. So DWP might say , but you can socialise online. Or your arthritis can't be bad if you can use iPad keyboard. Glad it's over. Thankful for this site for the manuals so at least knew about the mandatory reconsideration letter otherwise I wouldn't have got another appointment at all.

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