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PIP RE-ASSESSMENT Again?
- Sugarfoot
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1 year 8 months ago #279514 by Sugarfoot
PIP RE-ASSESSMENT Again? was created by Sugarfoot
Hello, I posted here before but my story just seems to go on. I had my PIP review assessment on 14/2/23. I am already in receipt of PIP following a Tribunal couple of years ago.
My assessment lasted for 1.5hrs - I went into a lot of detail which was incredibly gruelling on the day. A friend was with me and the interview was recorded by myself and Capita.
About a month later Capita got in touch and told me that I needed another assessment as there was a lack of evidence. They wouldn’t go into detail. Someone from Welfare Rights tried to find out why but even they hit a brick wall. I really couldn’t go through that interview again as I had a panic attack during and after (which is on the recording). After a couple of weeks I agreed to do another phone interview - this time Capita said that I can’t do another one as it will now be a paper based assessment. They advised that it would take a long time but would now be paper base.
Yesterday (May 2nd) I received another message from Capita now saying that they couldn’t get enough information to do a paper based assessment so now want me to do another phone assessment. I’m absolutely exhausted with this process - they have a recording of my first assessment plus my forms were really long and in-depth. It’s difficult not to feel that I’ve been singled out in some way especially as other people I know haven’t had to go through this level of rigmarole. Can I just refuse to do another assessment on the basis that it’s just another invitation for a panic attack and even more psychological distress? Apologies for the dramatic language but this is really taking its toll on me. I’m in Wales. TIA
My assessment lasted for 1.5hrs - I went into a lot of detail which was incredibly gruelling on the day. A friend was with me and the interview was recorded by myself and Capita.
About a month later Capita got in touch and told me that I needed another assessment as there was a lack of evidence. They wouldn’t go into detail. Someone from Welfare Rights tried to find out why but even they hit a brick wall. I really couldn’t go through that interview again as I had a panic attack during and after (which is on the recording). After a couple of weeks I agreed to do another phone interview - this time Capita said that I can’t do another one as it will now be a paper based assessment. They advised that it would take a long time but would now be paper base.
Yesterday (May 2nd) I received another message from Capita now saying that they couldn’t get enough information to do a paper based assessment so now want me to do another phone assessment. I’m absolutely exhausted with this process - they have a recording of my first assessment plus my forms were really long and in-depth. It’s difficult not to feel that I’ve been singled out in some way especially as other people I know haven’t had to go through this level of rigmarole. Can I just refuse to do another assessment on the basis that it’s just another invitation for a panic attack and even more psychological distress? Apologies for the dramatic language but this is really taking its toll on me. I’m in Wales. TIA
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- BIS
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1 year 8 months ago #279534 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic PIP RE-ASSESSMENT Again?
Hi Sugarfoot
I'm so sorry to hear that this is ongoing. I would get in contact with your local MP and see if they will intervene.
The problem with you just refusing to take part in another assessment is 1) The DWP may cancel your claim, saying you have refused to take part in the process. 2)If they go ahead and just do a paper-based assessment when they have already said they don't have enough evidence - then you are unlikely to get an award you are happy with.
I know Welfare Rights couldn't get an explanation, but you need to be told why after an hour and a half and extensive forms, they can't make a decision. If Capita won't tell you, I would try contacting the DWP and saying you are a vulnerable person and you need to understand what has happened. Obviously, you can put in a complaint, but that won't help you at the current time, which is why I would try and use your MP. You could also try and get a letter from your GP and say that taking part in any more assessments would cause you "Overwhelming Psychological Distress."
I'm sorry, I don't know what else to suggest.
BIS
I'm so sorry to hear that this is ongoing. I would get in contact with your local MP and see if they will intervene.
The problem with you just refusing to take part in another assessment is 1) The DWP may cancel your claim, saying you have refused to take part in the process. 2)If they go ahead and just do a paper-based assessment when they have already said they don't have enough evidence - then you are unlikely to get an award you are happy with.
I know Welfare Rights couldn't get an explanation, but you need to be told why after an hour and a half and extensive forms, they can't make a decision. If Capita won't tell you, I would try contacting the DWP and saying you are a vulnerable person and you need to understand what has happened. Obviously, you can put in a complaint, but that won't help you at the current time, which is why I would try and use your MP. You could also try and get a letter from your GP and say that taking part in any more assessments would cause you "Overwhelming Psychological Distress."
I'm sorry, I don't know what else to suggest.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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