- Posts: 2
- Forum
- Members forums
- ESA, PIP and DLA Queries and Results
- Unexpected phone call from PIP. Caught unawares.
× Members
Unexpected phone call from PIP. Caught unawares.
- Loner
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
1 year 8 months ago #279458 by Loner
Unexpected phone call from PIP. Caught unawares. was created by Loner
Hello can anyone advise me and indeed has anyone had a similar experience of late. My PIP came up for review during lockdown and I returned the form ……… A few weeks ago I received a phone call out of the blue by someone who said they were “checking” my form and just needed some clarification on a few points. For instance I was asked about my alcoholism to which I was able to say I was now in recovery and had been for almost 2 years. Then I began to be asked what I can see from here are classic questions like a “typical day” going out of house and where etc (the woman seemed particularly interested in fact I could ride a bike which I can for short distances and is actually easier as it is not weight bearing as I have ankle injuries and early arthritis).
In summary it became an assessment without warning. My primary disabilities are in mental health and I lost my job as a result of this and I became confused, upset and pressured. When I said this she said she was finishing work shortly and said she could call me tomorrow. I was so distressed I allowed it to continue longer.
Ultimately she said a further telephone appointment was needed to make a decision and one would be made.
Have a prejudiced my claim by any answers I gave in this without due consideration and preparation. I now have an appointment next week which I have asked to be recorded as I have no one to attend with me.
Please can I have some advice and shared experience on this. Thank you
Sorry if this is already up here but I couldn’t see it anywhere this repeating.
In summary it became an assessment without warning. My primary disabilities are in mental health and I lost my job as a result of this and I became confused, upset and pressured. When I said this she said she was finishing work shortly and said she could call me tomorrow. I was so distressed I allowed it to continue longer.
Ultimately she said a further telephone appointment was needed to make a decision and one would be made.
Have a prejudiced my claim by any answers I gave in this without due consideration and preparation. I now have an appointment next week which I have asked to be recorded as I have no one to attend with me.
Please can I have some advice and shared experience on this. Thank you
Sorry if this is already up here but I couldn’t see it anywhere this repeating.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- BIS
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 8524
1 year 8 months ago #279473 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Unexpected phone call from PIP. Caught unawares.
Hi Loner
The DWP do sometimes make random calls. Don't be hard on yourself. It's extremely difficult to know how to react when you're caught unawares.
Obviously, I don't know what you said and whether it's helped you or harmed you in any way. And to be honest, you won't really know until you get the result after the telephone assessment next week. So try not to worry about it, because it's past and there's nothing you can do. You can later put in a complaint if you feel that this conversation was unfair because of its length and your lack of preparation.
Even if they are going to record the call next week, if you have the ability to record it yourself - do so. Just don't tell them that's what you're doing.
Make sure that you read the guide on PIP claims and reviews. From Page 128 the review process is explained with examples of questions that you may be asked.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip
I hope it goes well.
BIS
The DWP do sometimes make random calls. Don't be hard on yourself. It's extremely difficult to know how to react when you're caught unawares.
Obviously, I don't know what you said and whether it's helped you or harmed you in any way. And to be honest, you won't really know until you get the result after the telephone assessment next week. So try not to worry about it, because it's past and there's nothing you can do. You can later put in a complaint if you feel that this conversation was unfair because of its length and your lack of preparation.
Even if they are going to record the call next week, if you have the ability to record it yourself - do so. Just don't tell them that's what you're doing.
Make sure that you read the guide on PIP claims and reviews. From Page 128 the review process is explained with examples of questions that you may be asked.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip
I hope it goes well.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Loner
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Loner
- Topic Author
- Offline
Less More
- Posts: 2
1 year 8 months ago #279542 by Loner
Replied by Loner on topic Unexpected phone call from PIP. Caught unawares.
Thank you BIS. I saw in your quite that they can make an unexpected call if they are doing a paper assessment to clarify. Trouble was as I said it’s my mental health that did for me and I got tied up. They seem v hot on can you go to a supermarket/shop as well - the bias is on physical ability. Anyway I will record assessment next week and will feed back to others so as to be a help to them. Thanks for reassurance and I have read guides and continue to review and prepared a “script” of sorts to be sure I tell the facts right . Best
The following user(s) said Thank You: BIS, Gary
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, Chris, David