First Ever PIP assessment and a Question about bringing someone along

jasonwatkins

I applied for PIP a few months back on the advice of the CAB while I was filling out my WCA forms to return (which is 9 weeks and counting that i haven't heard about a date). I've now got an appointment date and time for the PIP assessment that's in just over a fortnight.

I wrote on the form that i'd very likely need someone to come with me, which would likely be a family member, but while I was filling out the form I wrote down a lot of information and things that I felt were relevant, but that were also very personal and stuff that I'd rather my family member not hear.

So would the person have to come in to the room with me or could they essentially just drop me off at the centre, either to wait outside or in a waiting room - or even just go off back in to town and I go and meet them afterwards ?

calcotti

It is up to you. If you want someone to accompany you to the assessment centre but not go into the room with you that's fine. I would recommend that you tell the assessor that in order to get to the assessment you needed to be accompanied because this will highlight some of the difficulties you face. You can also explain that you have asked them to wait outside because you did not want them to hear any personal details that might embarrass you.

jasonwatkins

Thankyou, I was thinking along these lines as well. I'd probably tell my mum (who it would be coming with me) to go back in to town though, as the centre is in a town she's very familiar with and she'd probably benefit from wandering around rather than sitting in a waiting room for however long it might take.

Ames

jasonwatkins wrote: »

Thankyou, I was thinking along these lines as well. I'd probably tell my mum (who it would be coming with me) to go back in to town though, as the centre is in a town she's very familiar with and she'd probably benefit from wandering around rather than sitting in a waiting room for however long it might take.

How long will it take for her to get back to the assessment centre? You could be quite upset afterwards, especially if you're talking about personal stuff you've never told anyone. Waiting for her to get back could make things harder for you, I imagine you'd just want to get away as soon as you can after the assessment. Especially as you'll have to walk back through the waiting area which could have lots of people in it.

You don't know how long it'll take, I think they're supposed to take an hour but it's really variable. I'm sure your mum would be okay with waiting for you if it makes it easier for you. She might not be in the mood for shopping anyway, knowing you're going through your assessment.

jasonwatkins

Ames wrote: »

How long will it take for her to get back to the assessment centre? You could be quite upset afterwards, especially if you're talking about personal stuff you've never told anyone. Waiting for her to get back could make things harder for you, I imagine you'd just want to get away as soon as you can after the assessment. Especially as you'll have to walk back through the waiting area which could have lots of people in it.

You don't know how long it'll take, I think they're supposed to take an hour but it's really variable. I'm sure your mum would be okay with waiting for you if it makes it easier for you. She might not be in the mood for shopping anyway, knowing you're going through your assessment.

Well she's nearly 80, so it's kind of swings and roundabouts really. I'd rather her not wait there for an hour or so as she'd very likely find it extremely uncomfortable. At least if she went in to town then she could go and get something to eat and sit down in a more comfortable situation.

I'll have to see. I'll have a chat with her and see what she wants to do.

w06

What you’re thinking of doing is what I did for mine, couple of years ago. A friend took me and waited with me, pushed me into the room and then sat in the waiting room reading his book until I’d finished. The assessor appeared to expect him to stay in the room but was fine when we both said he was waiting outside