PIP application advice

Thank you Gordon. I am relieved to learn that it is not the case and the HP will have hopefully gone through my detailed responses to the PIP2 form, pain diagrams, carer's letter and additional informations in the form of various hospital letters and reports! During the assessment can one ask the HP if they have gone through my responses/inputs?

I have reconciled to the fact that I will have to sit through the assessment and may have to hang up - it is what it is. It is now telephone and on making a recording request was told there would be a delay but I could record it at my end. I don't have a very modern phone so intend to be on loudspeaker and record on a laptop with my friend/carer's help.

Do I have to declare that I am recording or request permission to record from the HP at the start of the assessment ? What is the protocol around recording notification?

Some people have mentioned that one should also ask the HP's occupation and registration number. Is that useful? Have people done so?

Thinking about some of the questions in the PIP guide,
1. I wonder what they ask for people whoI do not have any children, pets, family and severely limited or non-existent social life. I fall into this category. Any comments/experiences?
2. Hobbies/Interests - I did mention in the form that I cannot undertake any of the hobbies or things I used to previously. I generally listen to audiobooks and stare out of the window. Does this suffice? Do I need to state where I get the audiobooks?
3. Using a computer - I use one with great difficulty as part of ongoing efforts to save my job(ongoing process with my Borough's Employment retension team and potential Access to work). I also use it to order online groceries and audio books with the help of my carer. Does this matter?

I am still daunted by how to express my difficulties in this way, and not miss key points, any suggestions please?

Apologies for rambling on here. All your support and feedbck is mch appreciated.

Thanks muchly as always.

Thank you Gary. This has been most helpful. I would like to share my experience and progress thus far.

I endured 4 hrs and 45 mins of grilling from the assessor on the phone. It was a nightmare despite the help of my carer and all the prep (water, recording equipment, heat mats, wedge cushions, form printouts and two devices). My carer managed to record the session, help with answers and take notes. The assessor tried to be courteous initially but once she started with the questions (asked randomly)swiftly cut me off when I actually got started. She even asked me about a condition which I was previously suspected but not listed in my form nor in any supporting evidence! I needed a break but she wasn't even paying attention when I was being helped and being helped by my carer to the bathroom to help sort the resultant incontinence but she kept talking at me...She kept grilling me about the fact I still tried to keep my job despite listing the difficulties with , and failures at work and offering to explain. She drilled on about my work in detail and queried it in various ways for almost an hour

I was dead by the end of it and took weeks to recover and still struggling. I did request a PA4 - infact have requested it thrice now but still await the letter.

But surprisingly I had a credit to my account without any notice or letter. I was confused and rang the DWP but was told to wait for the letter. With all the postal strikes and everything on, nothing turned up.
I rang again last week when someone finally confirmed I was sent a letter dated over a month ago and explained I had been awarded PIP ending sometime next year. I requested the letter and PA4 yet again and atm await the post!

I would like to thank everyone for all the support, the advice on the forum and the guides.

Whilst I am relieved to know that I have been awarded, I am waiting to go through the assessment letter , award letter as
I am worried about the short duration, content of the assessment and the money credited to my account as well...I wonder if I need to request anything else or do something else meanwhile?

Please could you advise?

Thank you and here's hoping for a better 2023 for all! Sorry about the rambling and long post once again!

owlofthemoon you poor thing! 4 hrs 45 mins is out-of-this-world unacceptable and I strongly feel you should ask your MP to complain on your behalf [as you are still too damaged by this to make your own complaint!!!] And as for being forced to suffer incontinence because she would not listen that you needed to go, I am speechless. Please do not hold back in telling the MP all, this ought to be raised in Parliament and the assessment company publicly shamed.
I hope my supportive rant makes you feel a tiny bit better.
Denby

Thank you Gary and Denby, your support is much appreciated. It does help
I am too worn specially a lot of flux around various hospital treatments I need to sort out and I need to move in with my carer as I can no longer live on my own ..I think I might put the complaint on the backburner for now.

Also, owing to my worsening conditions I have had a change in my opiod medication dosage - an increase. I am unsure if this something I should ring the DWP and let them know?

I am still waiting for the letters award and PA4...I am concerned that it is more than a month since the date of the letter as told by the DWP over the phone. Am I worrying unecessarily ? or should I chase them yet again?

Thank you.