I’ve been away for an from this site for an age; many new problems have since been added to my lengthy list of afflictions , the latest being bilateral hydro nephrosis and sub clinical hypothyroidism; inevitably this has meant frequent trips to hospital and yea many appointments with so many consultants that they are beginning to look like an identity parade lineup - other than ny neurologist, the rest are a bit of a blur!
As if this wasn’t bad enough already, a letter from Capita appeared on my doorstep today in which it was explained that an assessor is coming to visit me at home - the day before my birthday!!! (the swine!). I joined the benefits and work web site, as suggested by so many people, so I hope that I’ve put together a good case with regard to the general crappiness of my overall health, but I cant help but worry about such an assessment at a time when I don’t really need it on top of everything that’s been going on recently.
Ho Hum. JUST when I start to feel a LITTLE bit better in and about myself, THIS happens.
C’est la Vie.
N.
( sorry for the moan, I just needed to vent a bit before I explode with anxiety, or something.)
I can’t give you any real help and advice on the visit as I haven’t experienced one (yet!). Sorry. But I can wish you all the best with it. Everything to do with PIP claims is so frightening, for us all, regardless of our level of disability.
You’ve done the right thing by joining benefits and work. Have a look at their guide to physical assessment to ensure you are saying the right things. Make sure you understand each of the points descriptors and how they apply to you. Then all you have to do is make sure the assessor does a good job (!) and makes the appropriate notes about you which will (hopefully) lead to the right decision. And if not, then request a reconsideration, again getting help from the B & W guides.
And for anyone else who is facing the same thing, here’s the link to http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/ They truly have excellent, up to date, correct guidance and it’s worth the £20 to join just to get the best guidance.
I have been through two assessments for PIP but by Atos.
I found the assessors, both female in my case, to be very friendly and sympathetic and put me at my ease. As a result the interview was far from stressful. You do not have to face it on your own either therefore I would recommend having someone with you to help with things you might overlook, which happened to me, and to witness the process.
Make sure you have plenty of supporting evidence such as letters from your neurologist and other specialists you have seen, including your MS nurse, physiotherapist and OT. Include a list of any adaptations made for you either by your OT department or by other contractors; I am sure you are aware that adaptations mean points and points mean prizes, well at least a PIP award.
Try not to worry if you can but be honest in your replies. At least your birthday is the next day!