My PIP assessment yesterday

Had my PIP assessment yesterday, by Capita at home. I promised to post a note of how it proceeded. I only found this site AFTER I'd submitted my application six months ago However, following b&w guidance I did supply additional supporting documents which were accepted. Hope this is useful to others going through the process. Guess I just wait for the brown envelope .........

Started 12.20pm Finished 2.20pm = assessment took 2 hours

· Assessor introduced herself. I asked if she had knowledge of my health conditions. She said not allowed to say what her medical qualifications were, but did say she worked in NHS setting. Was very polite and pleasant throughout.

· Checked my I.D. - Passport, birth certificate / marriage certificate. This information was logged on her laptop.

· I handed her a bundle copy docs sent to DWP on 1st July (which she had already seen on their system) and two additional letters received by me on 4/7/14 about current treatments. She took these copies and said she would send them to DWP with her report. She confirmed she had read the application and all supporting documents.

· All questions and answers were processed on her laptop, and she typed a lot of extra information rather that just ticking boxes.

· Started by asking me about current health problems and how they affected me, when they started, who I saw about them and how often. Special note made of ongoing treatments and consultants. (I said I needed to refer to my prepared notes throughout the assessment to make sure I remembered to tell her everything, and this was ok).

· Asked about current prescribed medications. Asked to see prescription list (didn't have one) but she was happy to check and record the actual medications and dosage and effectiveness. She didn't ask about other supplements listed in my application even though they play an important part in treatment.

· Wanted to know what aids I used (things like pill dispenser, perching stool, wrist supports, kitchen aids, bath aids etc) what you used them for and how often.

· I was asked to describe a typical day from getting up to going to bed. This pretty much followed the list of 10 daily activity descriptors for scoring points followed by questions about mobility activity. (Here she was seeking info about time spent doing activities and actual measured distances in order to tick boxes on her laptop). Questions here were very focused especially about preparing food, bathing, handling finances and getting about. (I am unable to chop, prepare and cook food important for my gluten-free diet, but she did wrongly assume I could put a ready-made meal in the microwave if I had to - I'm not sure how that was recorded). She knew my local area well so easily understood mobilising distances.

· A note was made of my home environment, who I lived with, social activity (including going out and having visitors, making phone calls, if I used facebook, interests and hobbies - and what I am no longer able to do due to my conditions ). I was asked if I was employed (I wish).

· Final question was to assess mental state - did I drink, had I ever harmed myself, had suicidal thoughts or tried to commit suicide. (nope)

· I was asked to repeat and remember these three words "Pen, Book (I mis-heard thought she said BRook, and Phone". (don't think I passed the hearing test)

· Last part was a quick assessment of ability to mobilise (she was running out of time) this included : ability to grip (crap,) move head forward, backward, side to side (made me dizzy), raise both arms above the head (no way Jose), stand and bend to touch toes (nah no chance), touch thumb to fingers on each hand (slow and uncoordinated brain scrabbled).

· Now recall the three words I stumbled over earlier : Book (remembered because I already got it wrong !) Pen and ... errmm... ( no idea) (brain dead by now).

· She gave me the opportunity to ask any questions but I was totally knackered by then to even think clearly. I said I could be contacted at home if she required any further clarification.

· That concluded the assessment. She said her report and documents I had given her would be sent to DWP for the Decision Maker to ultimately determine entitlement but had no idea how long that would take.

Hope this light-hearted report gives some idea of the Capita format
Thank you to Mods for invaluable guidance posted on this Forum
Neptuno

Thanks for keeping us all updated and hope you have a good outcome

Seems to be 2 weeks to get sent to DWP Then around 2 weeks for a decision so around another month to wait i think????

Anyone else had decisions and rough time since assessment???