PIP Review 2018

Hi Gordon,

Thanks for your response.

None of my conditions are variable - and I did explain that both on my original PIP form and also on the AR1. Sometimes I wish that they were - even just an hour off from everything would be a relief.

Fortunately my Mum will be there with me for this face-to-face - though I'm not sure if she'd actually be allowed to say anything to the assessor - as I find it nearly impossible speaking to people I don't know, and especially about the kinds of sensitive, personal things which are talked about in these assessments.

Oh well. Just have to wait and see how it all goes - just one week now.

Idonia.

Hello,

Had my face-to-face today. There were a lot of 'trick' questions thrown at me by the assessor - who did not give either her name or profession - and I kept being interrupted by the next question before I'd had a chance to finish answering the previous one. The assessor also did not ask me about a number of my physical health conditions, needed to be prompted to carry out an eye exam, and seemed very dismissive of my ongoing assessment for autism. Overall I was left with a very bad feeling about the outcome of this face-to-face.

I would like to ask for a copy of the PA4, though. How long should I wait before asking for it, and do I contact the DWP or ATOS for it?

Many thanks in advance.

Idonia.

Hello,

I have finally received a copy of the assessor's report (although no decision as of yet) and overall it seems like a reasonably accurate report oi everything that I said at the assessment and does make reference to information that I included in my AR1, which suggests that the assessor did at least read it. There are however some glaring omissions and a small number of outright lies, though how this will affect the decision remains to be seen.

I am most concerned that on the report, the assessor recommended review again in 18 months' time. As PIP claims are renewed 12 months before the claim is due to end, does this mean that, if I am awarded PIP, that I will have to go through another assessment in six months' time?

Many thanks in advance.

Idonia.

Hello,

Having been advised by my Mum, who was present during my face-to-face and was also pretty disgusted at the attitude shown by the assessor during the assessment, I made a formal complaint, in writing, to ATOS at the end of August, and today I received the response to my complaint. It is basically five pages of "sorry if you were upset" - which is the biggest non-apology I have ever seen. I'm far too stretched for time right now with a million other things (including finally being formally diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome last week) to take it any further, so I won't, but I just wanted to give an update on this whole horrendous situation.

No decision on my PIP review as of yet; been nearly seven weeks now since my face-to-face and over six months since the whole thing started

Will update again when I have more news.

Idonia.