- Posts: 4
- Forum
- Members forums
- ESA, PIP and DLA Queries and Results
- PIP face to face - I have no one to go with me
× Members
PIP face to face - I have no one to go with me
- bobby22
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
5 years 9 months ago #214210 by bobby22
PIP face to face - I have no one to go with me was created by bobby22
Hello,
I am in the process of transferring to PIP after having been on DLA (high rate care, low rate mob) for 9 years. I have a range of physical and mental health difficulties, but the primary disability is mental health and a sleep disorder.
A Support Worker from CMHT helped me fill in the forms - I asked for an afternoon appointment on the forms for the F2F due to my health condition.
I have received a letter calling me in for a face to face assessment and it is a morning appointment. I have nobody to come with me to the appointment either.
My question(s):
Is it highly recommended or essential to have someone bring you to the F2F? I keep hearing horror stories about how one really must take someone - but have any of you had success going alone? Why do people say you must take someone? I appreciate the support is nice, but what are the other reasons? (I could get a taxi for example)
Do they really only reschedule once? I could ask them for an afternoon appointment again, and perhaps it would give me more time to find someone to go with me (although I really don't have anyone so this is unlikely) but then I worry, what would happen if I fell ill the second time, with a bug or something?
If I have to go on my own I plan to get a taxi there - can I record the assessment?
I'd just be interested to hear your views on how essential it is to have someone to go with you.
Yes, on the forms we wrote that I need someone with me most of the time - but I was told this is a need, not what you have already, and I could get a taxi there and back.
PS. Do they help with transport costs?
Many thanks in advance x
PPS. I don't really want them coming to my home.
I am in the process of transferring to PIP after having been on DLA (high rate care, low rate mob) for 9 years. I have a range of physical and mental health difficulties, but the primary disability is mental health and a sleep disorder.
A Support Worker from CMHT helped me fill in the forms - I asked for an afternoon appointment on the forms for the F2F due to my health condition.
I have received a letter calling me in for a face to face assessment and it is a morning appointment. I have nobody to come with me to the appointment either.
My question(s):
Is it highly recommended or essential to have someone bring you to the F2F? I keep hearing horror stories about how one really must take someone - but have any of you had success going alone? Why do people say you must take someone? I appreciate the support is nice, but what are the other reasons? (I could get a taxi for example)
Do they really only reschedule once? I could ask them for an afternoon appointment again, and perhaps it would give me more time to find someone to go with me (although I really don't have anyone so this is unlikely) but then I worry, what would happen if I fell ill the second time, with a bug or something?
If I have to go on my own I plan to get a taxi there - can I record the assessment?
I'd just be interested to hear your views on how essential it is to have someone to go with you.
Yes, on the forms we wrote that I need someone with me most of the time - but I was told this is a need, not what you have already, and I could get a taxi there and back.
PS. Do they help with transport costs?
Many thanks in advance x
PPS. I don't really want them coming to my home.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Gordon
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 51048
5 years 9 months ago #214226 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP face to face - I have no one to go with me
Bobby
If you suffer from Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety or a similar condition then it will definitely disadvantage you if you attend the assessment on your own as it will argue against the severity of your problems.
From a broader perspective, assessments can be quite traumatic especially if yo have mental health issues and having someone with you may help you cope with the day.
You may be able to get help with any travel costs, contact the assessment Provider to see if they will pay,
You can record the assessment but there are restriction;
You need permission in advance from the Assessment Provider to make the recording.
It needs to be made to two tapes of CDs simultaneously.
You cannot use a digital recorder such as a mobile phone.
Someone has today reported problems is the media is not new, so make sure that the tapes or CDs are still shrink wrapped and opened in the presence of the assessor.
You need to give one of the recordings to the assessor.
Most members have used two relatively cheap cassette recorders, check that they record without problem, some have used external microphones.
If you have clearly documented a requirement, due to medical reasons why an afternoon appointment was required then you can argue that the appointment should be arranged at no fault to you but if this is not accepted then you can only move the appointment once, you must attend the new date or you risk your claim being closed, so I would phone the Assessment Provider and make sure the new date is agreeable while you are on the phone.
Gordon
If you suffer from Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety or a similar condition then it will definitely disadvantage you if you attend the assessment on your own as it will argue against the severity of your problems.
From a broader perspective, assessments can be quite traumatic especially if yo have mental health issues and having someone with you may help you cope with the day.
You may be able to get help with any travel costs, contact the assessment Provider to see if they will pay,
You can record the assessment but there are restriction;
You need permission in advance from the Assessment Provider to make the recording.
It needs to be made to two tapes of CDs simultaneously.
You cannot use a digital recorder such as a mobile phone.
Someone has today reported problems is the media is not new, so make sure that the tapes or CDs are still shrink wrapped and opened in the presence of the assessor.
You need to give one of the recordings to the assessor.
Most members have used two relatively cheap cassette recorders, check that they record without problem, some have used external microphones.
If you have clearly documented a requirement, due to medical reasons why an afternoon appointment was required then you can argue that the appointment should be arranged at no fault to you but if this is not accepted then you can only move the appointment once, you must attend the new date or you risk your claim being closed, so I would phone the Assessment Provider and make sure the new date is agreeable while you are on the phone.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, jimmck, Chris