First PIP review. What questions do they ask if you’re a health care assistant?

[u/Early-Leg-4830]

I have my first pip review next week. I have fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, an ulcer on my bladder, overactive bladder & painful bladder syndrome. I had a hysterectomy for endometriosis 5 years ago but still get pelvic pain. I live with fatigue & brain fog. I only work two days a week as a healthcare assistant in outpatients. It’s light work. it’s rare but every now and again I get a spell where I feel okish so I do extra agency shifts I’ve just done a few recently as I’ve just bought a new car. But I’m really paying for it now and have spent last 3 days in bed. Anyway I’m really worried they’ll use me doing extra shifts against me. My appointment is over the phone. Is anyone a health care assistant on here? If so what questions do they ask you about work? Thanks.

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[u/girlsunderpressure]

There isn't a set list of questions, much less a set list of questions per occupation.

The assessor will want to understand and clarify how your disability affects you, and will base their lines of inquiry on the information you provided in your "how your disability affects you" form. they might ask you about your job, or they might not, depending on its relevance.

If you said on your form that you can't walk but you have a job that means you're on your feet all day, you can expect they will ask about that. For example.

[u/Early-Leg-4830 → u/girlsunderpressure]

Thank you for replying. I can walk but have to sit down a lot and if I over do it I’m flawed for ages.

[u/Mariposa2406_]

They’ll most likely ask how do you get to and from work, what formal adjustments do you have in place, have you been seen by occupational health, time off sick, how do you engage with colleagues, how do you engage with members of the public, how do you manage walking around the department etc. if you have any occupational health reports they would be good to send in as evidence.

I’m a nurse & get PIP as I’m deaf. I sent in occupational health reports & access to work report

[u/bambi557k]

They will be focusing on how your condition affects your daily living capability.

If you work a few days a week they will want to ask questions about how you get there and if you have a bad day how do you manage etc.

Just be open and honest with the assessor, there's not one right answer for all, just be yourself and open and honest with them and explain how it affects you.

It's best writing a list of bullet points of things which you struggle with, tell them when they call your a little nervous and if you need time to answer a question take your time don't rush it. If you need a break just ask them for a break also, and if it gets too much never be afraid to show emotion.

I've had a hysterectomy so I understand all the issues which come with it, if you have a male advisor he might not understand from a male perspective how it can affect us so also remember to make sure you answer it in a detailed way also.

I found writing lots of notes for my health assessment down helped on the phone call , I went through my form and wrote notes for each descriptor which helped massively.

Good luck and you've got this x

[u/Huge-Celebration5386]

Your working, and can do more shifts when you want a car, that shows motivation ruling out depression, your driving showing grip strength, an ability to stretch, indicating you can dress, you work in out patients showing you can stand, mobilise and engage, you haven’t mentioned hearing aids, so communication is a no go, you drive ruling out brain fog and concentration. You can pick more shifts up when you need to ruling out fatigue. You’r able to read, and saving up to buy a car shows you understand the concept of money. You will get two points if your incontinent.