PIP and Long Covid/ Chronic fatigue

dp1

Hi I have a video assessment for PIP next week and have Long Covid. Just wondering if anyone with Long Covid or Chronic Fatigue has any advice?
Thanks

Spoonie_Turtle

Don't mask your fatigue.  If you have to slump or prop yourself up on your desk or whatever, do it.  It's not rude to do what your body needs.  (When I had my phone assessment I was laying down with the phone on loudspeaker, although obviously the assessor couldn't see me.)

Emphasise the aftereffects of doing / trying to do things.  Hopefully you've already done that on your form as well.

Take your time to answer, if you're struggling to find words don't hesitate to let them know.  Or if you need a question repeated or explaining, ask them and don't be shy about saying why, e.g. if your minds gone blank or you lost half the question or whatever.

Practical measures, depending on the level of fatigue, make sure to have easily-prepared food / easy to eat food for later on, and schedule rest before and afterwards if possible (how much rest again depends on the level of fatigue; some might need a few hours, others might need a few days).

If you can look over your form beforehand to remind yourself of what you wrote, you might find it useful.  Or you might not, but you may wish to make some brief notes of activities / effects you want to emphasise.


Ultimately though the assessment is just one step - if it doesn't result in an accurate report or appropriate award, you'll just need to concentrate on making your case for an MR, and if you do that well it lays the groundwork for tribunal should that be necessary.  Obviously the best outcome is an appropriate award from the start, which is possible, just if it doesn't happen then don't take it personally or be too disappointed.

dp1

Thanks for your reply
I photocopied the form I sent in so I have those answers to refer to - I will read through them the morning before the assessment and add any new things.
I am prepared for no award this time and perhaps having to go to tribunal, which seems to be what happens in a lot of cases involving fatigue.

HillStreetBlues

Make sure they see you are you normally are, so not making a effort to dress up for video assessment.
Also don't let them put words into your mouth.

Sadly I agree many cases involving fatigue do seem to end up at a tribunal.

poppy12345

Try not to answer any questions with just a simple yes or no because they have been known to expand on that with their own opinion. Try to give as much relevant information as possible.

Bigwheels1111

If you have a spare mobile phone, I would set up an app and record the whole assessment.

Then you could correct any errors they state. ( LIES )

dp1

Thank you everyone for  your advice
Big wheels - unfortunately I don't have a spare mobile. It sounds like you have had problems with  assessments.
The most important thing seems to be to give plenty of details...and to cross my fingers and hope I get someone who has an understanding of Long Covid.