No F2F when applying for pip?

suz1970

Could I ask if anyone has claimed pip and not needed a f2f interview? or how is it decided that an interview is needed? Its just that I have the pip claim form for my son who has turned 16 and needs to claim pip now, but he is getting very stressed already about going to an interview ( don't know if we should put him through this as it is not helping his illness all the stress and worry) I have a letter from the consultant and also the support nurse and gp to send with the claim form, Just wondered if EVERYONE had an interview?

DomRavioli

It is dependent on the medical evidence provided by both the forms submitted by your son (I am guessing you have helped fill in the PIP forms that you sent back to them) and also from any health clinician you named on the forms such as GP, consultant, specialist, social worker etc.

If there is enough evidence provided to make a decision without needing a medical assessment, then you won't be called for one.

If one is needed, they will let you know by letter.

malebolge

suz1970 wrote: »

Could I ask if anyone has claimed pip and not needed a f2f interview? or how is it decided that an interview is needed? Its just that I have the pip claim form for my son who has turned 16 and needs to claim pip now, but he is getting very stressed already about going to an interview ( don't know if we should put him through this as it is not helping his illness all the stress and worry) I have a letter from the consultant and also the support nurse and gp to send with the claim form, Just wondered if EVERYONE had an interview?

Most people do have an interview, even if they have consultants' letters. But don't let that worry you. The f2f interview is concerned with how medical conditions impinge on everyday life. If you've supplied detailed medical evidence then the interview should be very straightforward - mine was. The person from ATOS had my consultants' letters on screen and told me that there was no doubt I had a number of serious conditions - he told me that all he needed to do was to record how I was affected by them.
An example is - my heart specialist provided details of my condition and of tests that showed the degree of function left in my heart. I had put on the form how it affected me - the Atos man suggested more ways to me and was actually very supportive. He also said that he was going to ask me to do a few basic things but not to worry, he knew I'd not be able to do them. He told me that all he wanted to do was to make sure he wrote down all the evidence needed to make sure my case was clear cut.
Thinking about it, none of the consultants put how my daily life was affected, just stated medical facts so that was the reason for the f2f. Also, I have a number of conditions. That meant the combined effect needed to be discussed. If this is not the case with your son, then perhaps you won't need one?
I actually felt better after I'd had my f2f so hopefully it'll be the same for your son.

suz1970

Thankyou for your help, I was made my sons appointee after having a home visit in December, so I will be going with him and hopefully I will be able to do most of the talking, as my son gets very worried and stressed, He also hates talking about his illness.. but maybe it wont be to bad. how long do they take?

DomRavioli

You could request a home visit; it usually requires a GP/consultant to fax over a form to who is conducting the assessment, but if it is better for your son and your GP/consultant is willing to do this then it can help.

If you have appointeeship, then you can also help to answer questions for him about his medical issues, although some may need to be answered by your son.

malebolge

suz1970 wrote: »

Thankyou for your help, I was made my sons appointee after having a home visit in December, so I will be going with him and hopefully I will be able to do most of the talking, as my son gets very worried and stressed, He also hates talking about his illness.. but maybe it wont be to bad. how long do they take?

Explain right at the beginning that your son gets stressed and I'm sure whoever interviews you will be sympathetic. My husband came with me and the assessor spoke to us both. It's not a test or an interrogation - you can ask for breaks if that would help your son. My assessment took about an hour and a half, but that was with breaks because I can't speak for long. (and also so they could chat about football... )
My assessor explained his medical background at the beginning (oncology surgeon) and that all ATOS assessors have a medical background. That might make your son more comfortable discussing his illness. I did feel a bit embarrassed initially when talking about toilet issues but the assessor did talk to me very sensitively, and explained that it is on the form so the best way to make sure that I got points for this area was to be open about it.
On that subject, the entire interview is based on the questions you have answered. I scanned my form (I know it's long) and had a look at what I'd written before I had the interview. I was lucky that my sister works helping people to fill in the forms so she told me how to phrase things.
I wasn't nervous about being assessed, but she said that if anyone was, she suggested making notes. There's nothing to stop you doing that, and referring to them. It might be helpful if your son is stressed and might clam up in an interview.
I take it that you've not sent the form back yet? If that's the case there are people who can help you fill in the form and make sure your replies fit with the criteria as it's all points based.