PIP ASSESSMENTS CAN TAKE PLACE IN PERSON, OVER THE PHONE OR VIA VIDEO CALL - HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW LINDA HOWARD Money and Consumer Writer and LAUREN HAUGHEY Lifestyle and

Money Reporter 13:29, 30 May 2025 Have a PIP assessment lined up and don't know what to say or do? Don't fret - we have collated the latest guidance on approaching your interview,

whether over the phone, via video call, or in person. PIP - also referred to as the Personal Independence Payment - is a financial benefit designed to help eligible people with living costs.

This generally includes the following: * People with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability * People who struggle with day-to-day tasks due to a condition The

awaiting a health assessment to ascertain which provider will oversee their procedure. You can verify this by entering your local area or postcode on the GOV.UK website here. Should you be

scheduled for a PIP assessment or Work Capability Assessment (WCA), it will be facilitated by a specific company: * South West England: Serco (previously Atos) * South East England, London

and East Anglia: Ingeus UK Limited (previously Atos) * Northern Ireland: Capita Business Services (previously Capita) * Scotland (WCA only) and North England: Maximus UK Services Limited

(previously Atos) * Midlands and Wales: Capita Business Services (previously Capita) READ MORE: ITV Love Island's Gabby Allen says her 'wonky' appearance gave rise to

diagnosis UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF A PIP EVALUATION The PIP assessment offers a chance to express how your condition impacts you – it's not an investigation into your medical status

or a physical examination. The DWP considers the information from this assessment to reach a verdict on eligibility for PIP, according to the Daily Record. Your evaluation will be conducted

by a healthcare professional who will also compile a report and dispatch it to the DWP adjudicator. If you're awaiting a review, it's wise to keep a copy of your PIP evidence form

handy for telephone, video, and in-person assessments. This allows you to refer back to it, particularly if it was completed several years ago. DISCUSSING THE EFFECT OF YOUR CONDITION Advice

from Citizens Advice recommends readiness to discuss the impact of your condition, despite prior detailed accounts in your PIP evidence document (the PIP2 form). This can be challenging,

but it would be greatly beneficial if you could discuss: * The type of tasks you struggle with, or are unable to do at all, for instance, climbing stairs without assistance or remembering to

attend appointments. * How your condition impacts your daily life * What a difficult day looks like for you - for example, 'On a bad day, I can't walk at all due to the severe

pain in my injured leg' or, 'On a bad day, I'm so depressed I can't focus on anything'. READ MORE: NHS flags 'lifelong condition' with fatigue and cramps

among possible symptoms OBSERVATIONS ON WHAT YOU SAY AND DO DURING THE ASSESSMENT The assessor will utilise the information you provided on your PIP claim form and form opinions based on

what you say and do on the day. For example, suppose you state that you took the bus to reach the centre for a face-to-face assessment. In that case, they might interpret that as you can

travel independently on public transport, unless you provide additional clarification. You may also be asked to perform some physical tasks during the face-to-face assessment. Don't

feel obliged to do things you wouldn't usually be able to do. If you manage to do them on the day of the assessment, the assessor may assume you can always do them, so if you're

uncomfortable with something, speak up. In the telephone assessment, you might be asked to explain how you perform basic tasks like preparing and cooking meals, washing and dressing

yourself, and navigating outside your home. Take your time with your responses, as they are referring to your claim form and asking the same questions you've already answered. PAUSE,

REFLECT AND REPLY Break down your answer and guide them through how you complete tasks step-by-step to provide an accurate depiction of how your disability or health condition affects you.

What might seem like a lengthy process for you will clearly demonstrate to the assessor how you accomplish tasks, so don't attempt to hasten or simplify your process. The assessor will

observe your mental state throughout the evaluation. They will note if you seem depressed or happy, tense or relaxed, and how you handle social interactions. OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER * Do

not let the assessor hurry you and avoid simply responding with 'yes' or 'no' to their inquiries. * Always aim to explain how an action would affect your emotions

afterwards and its potential impact on you if repeated in a short timeframe. You can have someone accompany you during the assessment, whether over the phone, via video call, or in person.

Just remember to switch the call to loudspeaker and inform the assessor of your companion's presence. It's also worth checking in with your assessment provider to confirm that your

assessment centre has all the necessary resources. If anything is missing, feel free to ask for it. This will help you feel more at ease on the assessment day. Here are a few examples:

Article continues below * Ask if you will have to go upstairs and if there's a lift that can accommodate a wheelchair, if you need one. * If you need an interpreter or signer, ask at

least two working days before your assessment so they have time to arrange it. * Ask if you can make an audio recording of the assessment - you must do this three days before your

evaluation, and ask your provider about the rules for using recording equipment. * Ask for the person assessing to be the same gender as you, if that's important to you. * Ask how roomy

the centre is if you get anxious in enclosed spaces. If the rooms or corridors are small, tell them this could make you anxious and see what they can offer you. If your face-to-face

assessment location is over 90 minutes away by public transport and you struggle with long-distance travel, an alternative location or home visit may be offered. The latest DWP guidance on

attending an assessment can be found on the GOV.UK website here.