PIP Asssement

tillyenna

Hi All

Apologies, as I'm sure this has been asked LOADS before. I've finally got my appointment for my PIP assessment in Bristol, with ATOS. What can I expect at this assessment?

I've got post viral fatigue syndrome (which is currently on an up swing, ace... I was bed bound when I applied -.-), anxiety, depression and arthritis

My husband is gonna drive me to the appointment and I'll make him come in with me (as there's no WAY I'm letting a stranger anywhere NEAR me without him!)

And advice would be super appreciated.

Flower_pot

From what I've read of other peoples experience, everyones is different. From having over an hours assessment to different attitudes/treatment. But here's our experience.

My partner had his about 4 weeks back at home with capita. Lasted less than 30 mins and felt really relaxed. She opted not to do any physical examination ( standing up or moving about) generally asked the same question that are on the form. She generally wanted to know what he can and can't on good and bad days. At one point she said I could speak for him as communication was becoming an issue ( he takes a lot of morphine for the pain and struggles to speak clearly ) she seemed really nice and turns out she lives round the corner and her niece goes to local nursery as our daughter.

They will not make you do anything that will cause discomfort or pain.

We are now waiting to hear from dwp on their decision and the waiting time also differ from person to person. Tired of waiting now

Sunshinesusie3

I have cfs/me. My assessment was with ATOS, home based and lasted almost two hours. I seemed to have to go through each of the descriptors explaining how I managed on a good day and a bad day and how often I had good or bad days. It was frustrating having to repeat myself and what was written in my form and confirmed by my doctor and specialist clinics (CFS and pain). Do make sure you explain that your condition is variable and therefore can't reliably take care/get about safely etc. I was having a bad day so couldn't complete all the physical tests.

Limara

Hubbys was with Atos, lasted just over an hour, as others have said they asked questions about each section, With his they didnt seem to go through what we had said on the form more asking the same questions in an indirect way, Like having a chat about it rather than just outright asking a question.
They did lots of physical tests that were testing your ability for the descriptors, like if you had a pound and spent 7p how much would you have ( obviously budgeting ability)there was a memory test lot of arm movement tests,Hubby's were all done sitting down as there is no question about his walking ability.
Both the assessor and her superior were lovely. Our result was marked down on one section that shouldn't have been but that didn't matter for us as he has more points than needed for the high rate any way.
Good luck with your assessment.