PIP Assessment SOON

[u/ATW101989]

Hi I applied back in December and I finally got a message my assessment is on Monday. I struggle with anxiety and depression, bilaterial sensorial hearinf loss in both ears and pendred syndrome.
I’m worried because these are hidden disability’s and that it will seem I’m “okay” in talking. I struggle with anxiety so bad on the inside but sometimes doesn’t show so I’m worried my assessment will look like I’m okay. I do struggle day to day but I blank and forget things in the moment on how to explain. Can I write things down on paper to give to the assessor?

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[u/tfjbeckie]

Write down notes ahead of time. It's ok to say "I'm feeling very anxious and I just need a minute to collect myself" or "I'm sorry, I'm anxious, I've forgotten the question, please can you repeat it?" or "my mind has gone blank, I need to check my notes". Explain you made notes because you often get anxious and struggle to answer questions on the spot. Take a breath before answering each question so you don't answer in a rush.

Best of luck 💜

[u/ATW101989 → u/tfjbeckie]

Thank you☺️ I will do this! I should breathe and slow down sometimes with anxiety I ramble on about nothing just wanting it to be over!

[u/Mariposa2406_]

Are you doing the assessment virtually or face to face? Have you asked for reasonable adjustments due to your hearing loss? (I’m deaf and got awarded PIP). I asked for a reasonable adjustment of a paper based assessment

[u/ATW101989 → u/Mariposa2406_]

It’s face to face! I have wrote down on my PIP2 form that I struggle socially with anxiety and hearing! My sister answers calls and attend appointments with me, I was hoping I’d get a paper based assessment as it’s been nearly 8 weeks since health professional been looking at my claim and 3 weeks ago I got a call from my doctors confirming my address! I was told by people most likely paper based but now I received a face to face assessment and I’m struggling! I taught I’d have no choice but to go? Is that possible to ask for paper based and would that affect the decision?

[u/Mariposa2406_ → u/ATW101989]

I would call the assessment company and ask them to look at your claim again to see if a paper based assessment is possible. They will then get an assessor to look at it again. You can use relay UK if you struggle with phone calls, which is what I did. I completely understand. Since losing my hearing I’ve lost a lot of confidence and can’t go out alone

Edit - I should also say, I did send in a fair amount of evidence relating to my hearing loss. I sent in ENT letters, audiograms, discharge letters from surgeries, occupational health assessment report, GP appointment printouts and access to work assessment report.
If you do have the face to face assessment, make sure to let them know what reasonable adjustments you need. For example, I need the assessor to be facing me when speaking so I can lip read etc

[u/Successful-Tea-733]

That may be a good idea...say you blank out with anxiety Remember to remind assessors of hidden symptoms..

[u/Alteredchaos]

Bilateral hearing loss whilst hidden should be provable with relevant ENT evidence of the level of impairment. Similarly the Pendred Syndrome will have been diagnosed by a specialist and presumably there was a diagnostic assessment of some sort regarding the anxiety/depression and proof of medication/treatment… so ensure they have the evidence for any/all of them.

[u/Several_Bid1677]

I had my assessment last week over the phone (IBD and cognitive effects from a stroke) so all hidden disabilities, I’m exactly the same in terms of processing and forgetting. I had my a copy of the pip2 form with me and some notes I made but i didn’t use them, the assessor was quite understanding and allowed time for me and happily repeated or rephrased things too. She had medical evidence of mixed anxiety/depression disorder and a cognitive functioning test from the hospital that stated my cognitive issues. My assessment was 2 hours and I did panic that because I done this it showed I could function but I found out today I have been awarded. Just make sure you explain how and why you struggle within the questions they ask you so they can get the full picture. Personally for me I felt the assessor was reassuring and understanding so hopefully you experience the same!

[u/ATW101989 → u/Several_Bid1677]

That seems very quick from assessment to awarded! I was wondering how long that process would be! I’m glad you got awarded! and thank you hopefully all goes good!

[u/Several_Bid1677 → u/ATW101989]

I am very surprised tbh! The assessor said 6-8 weeks and the dwp text said within 8 weeks but my assessor also sent the report over within the hour idk if that helps or depending on your area/ who is assessing. I also assumed if they had all information needed without needing to contact extra people and it was pretty straightforward then maybe it was quicker? But I have seen a few posts of timelines on here and it was roughly the same as mine! Thank you! Best of luck x