Pip face to face meeting

yasminec

Thank you for providing me so much support. I did not know anything about thisprocess before you and everyone who helpedme. Family member is a lawyer but does not do benefits etc ��

Muttleythefrog wrote: »

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/how-decisions-are-made/

refer to part Download: Table of activities, descriptors and points [ 43 kb]
The descriptors are the statements of disability and points (or zero points) are awarded for each.

They're available in lots of places online... as are some guides including produced by the DWP in handbook for their Decision Makers as to how these descriptors work...i.e. what they mean.

There are, to confirm, like DLA a Daily Care(for PIP called Daily Living) and Mobility component. However only two rates for each with PIP.

As you will see there are 10 categories of descriptors for daily living.. relating to different disability areas like Washing/Bathing.
In each of the 10 categories a descriptor will be determined applicable to you (if more than one then likely the higher scoring will be selected). They total those associated points for the descriptors chosen and if 8 to 11 then you get awarded standard rate... if 12 or more then enhanced rate.. if less than 8 then no award.

Similarly for mobility but only 2 categories. The points work the same... 8 to 11 is standard rate... 12 or more enhanced rate.. less than 8 is no award.

This makes assessment methodology much more similar to that for ESA.. although of course criteria and awards are clearly different and for different purpose.

In your questionnaire they specifically asked about difficulties in the 12 categories.. and it is in these 12 categories where relevant that the assessor will investigate/ enquire of you as well as confirming other information. The report (PA4) produced by your assessor at the assessment literally will specify which descriptors they think apply to you and briefly why.... and because this information is specific to the criteria for PIP and typically very recent the DWP Decision Maker is likely to consider it the best evidence in front of them so much so there is good chance they'll agree with it all. If you have any relevant medical or healthcare type reports or documents that confirm disabilities relevant to the descriptors then they could be invaluable... and if not already supplied (when you sent your completed Questionnaire) then take copies to the assessment and hand them over. A minor point in comparison... make sure to get travel expenses back if applicable... you've probably already been supplied information on that when asked to attend the appointment. Slightly underhand tactic or a practical necessity... but worth mentioning for legitimate or illegitimate reason for people out there... if you cannot attend appointment then with decent reason you can probably arrange just once an alternative appointment time and date in advance by contacting the company doing the assessment. I had to reschedule due to partner's circumstances.

My advice to you would be to try to get time with a member of your family a couple of days before the assessment (the more technically minded they are the better in my opinion.. if they're a lawyer then beg them..lol.. but probably the person you want to attend with you if anyone.. the person who helps you day to day). Assuming you have a copy of your completed questionnaire look at what was written on it, look at any other evidence you supplied (and/or can supply) and have a good look at the descriptors and advice such as in the link at the top of this post. With assistance set out the relevant activities you have disability and the descriptors applicable and think of what you would say in relation to the problems you have with those activities. If you can prepare yourself to present relevant information then on the day it may be more automatic to you... so they may for example ask you if you have difficulties washing... if you do and you've already prepared what you'd say about those difficulties then the task of giving relevant information may be simpler.. as you say it will be stressful.. it was to me.. but good preparation helped me massively even when I was barely conscious of my surroundings. Be polite (if that's how you naturally are..lol) but do not be bullied. They will almost certainly have one eye on the clock (and the other making casual observations like your ability to sit and how well kempt you are).. but your eyes must remain fixed on getting into this appointment the relevant information of your circumstances. It'll be over likely (but not necessarily) well within an hour and you'll leave with ear-ache as they'll have been banging away on their keyboard as if their life depended on it.

yasminec

Normally photocopy forms but was such a rush as not well and completed them at Christmas but not got copies this time which i should have got done. I am housebound.

Muttleythefrog wrote: »

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/how-decisions-are-made/

refer to part Download: Table of activities, descriptors and points [ 43 kb]
The descriptors are the statements of disability and points (or zero points) are awarded for each.

They're available in lots of places online... as are some guides including produced by the DWP in handbook for their Decision Makers as to how these descriptors work...i.e. what they mean.

There are, to confirm, like DLA a Daily Care(for PIP called Daily Living) and Mobility component. However only two rates for each with PIP.

As you will see there are 10 categories of descriptors for daily living.. relating to different disability areas like Washing/Bathing.
In each of the 10 categories a descriptor will be determined applicable to you (if more than one then likely the higher scoring will be selected). They total those associated points for the descriptors chosen and if 8 to 11 then you get awarded standard rate... if 12 or more then enhanced rate.. if less than 8 then no award.

Similarly for mobility but only 2 categories. The points work the same... 8 to 11 is standard rate... 12 or more enhanced rate.. less than 8 is no award.

This makes assessment methodology much more similar to that for ESA.. although of course criteria and awards are clearly different and for different purpose.

In your questionnaire they specifically asked about difficulties in the 12 categories.. and it is in these 12 categories where relevant that the assessor will investigate/ enquire of you as well as confirming other information. The report (PA4) produced by your assessor at the assessment literally will specify which descriptors they think apply to you and briefly why.... and because this information is specific to the criteria for PIP and typically very recent the DWP Decision Maker is likely to consider it the best evidence in front of them so much so there is good chance they'll agree with it all. If you have any relevant medical or healthcare type reports or documents that confirm disabilities relevant to the descriptors then they could be invaluable... and if not already supplied (when you sent your completed Questionnaire) then take copies to the assessment and hand them over. A minor point in comparison... make sure to get travel expenses back if applicable... you've probably already been supplied information on that when asked to attend the appointment. Slightly underhand tactic or a practical necessity... but worth mentioning for legitimate or illegitimate reason for people out there... if you cannot attend appointment then with decent reason you can probably arrange just once an alternative appointment time and date in advance by contacting the company doing the assessment. I had to reschedule due to partner's circumstances.

My advice to you would be to try to get time with a member of your family a couple of days before the assessment (the more technically minded they are the better in my opinion.. if they're a lawyer then beg them..lol.. but probably the person you want to attend with you if anyone.. the person who helps you day to day). Assuming you have a copy of your completed questionnaire look at what was written on it, look at any other evidence you supplied (and/or can supply) and have a good look at the descriptors and advice such as in the link at the top of this post. With assistance set out the relevant activities you have disability and the descriptors applicable and think of what you would say in relation to the problems you have with those activities. If you can prepare yourself to present relevant information then on the day it may be more automatic to you... so they may for example ask you if you have difficulties washing... if you do and you've already prepared what you'd say about those difficulties then the task of giving relevant information may be simpler.. as you say it will be stressful.. it was to me.. but good preparation helped me massively even when I was barely conscious of my surroundings. Be polite (if that's how you naturally are..lol) but do not be bullied. They will almost certainly have one eye on the clock (and the other making casual observations like your ability to sit and how well kempt you are).. but your eyes must remain fixed on getting into this appointment the relevant information of your circumstances. It'll be over likely (but not necessarily) well within an hour and you'll leave with ear-ache as they'll have been banging away on their keyboard as if their life depended on it.

rockingbilly

yasminec wrote: »

I am housebound.

According to a factual report sent by my GP to the DWP he stated that I too am housebound for at least 4 out of the 7 days a week due to severe pain. No idea where he got that idea from.

But it does go to show that GP's do actually confirm that situation to the DWP. if you need it.

yasminec

Thank you rockability
Mine is at home do i need to show them anything etc medication
Very nervous got practically no nails 😥
Thank you