Forced to attend physical assessment, PIP won't let me do a telephone one

I finally got a text message from PIP telling me that I had to attend a physical assessment 17 miles from my house. I was very surprised as I had told them I struggle with travel anxiety, back and stomach pain, incontinence, cramping and swelling. Apparently this does not qualify me for a telephone interview. I would "have to be bed bound" and the fact that I attend my hospital appointments is proof that I can attend a physical assessment for PIP. The Benefits and Work guide says they should reconsider, however the woman I spoke to on the phone was adamant I had to go in physically. The best she could do was offer me other assessment centres which were closer (one 13 miles away and another 10 miles away).

Is there anything I can do to make them give me a telephone assessment? There is a good chance I will not be physically well enough to attend the assessment (I have missed numerous hospital appointments before due to being unwell). The woman on the phone couldn't tell me what would happen if I didn't attend, she just said contact them on the day (I presume they would just cancel my claim).

Hello Stephen

I recently read a forum post on the Scope Forum and the person has a similar problem to you with regards to having a face to face assessment. There might be some advice on there that would help you out also. I will include the link to the scope forum post here forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/582113

Also just a though.. Would having a face to face assessment cause you mental distress because of the pain you get and if it does you can explain that to them.

Hope that helps
Waxwing