Hi Guys sorry for delay, promised to give details of my assessment with Capita.
I'm am registered blind with a Certificate of Visial Impairment, my condition is Retinitis Pigmentosa. I started my PIP claim on 22nd November 2013 and I had my assessment on 28th April 2014.
I received a letter confiming my home appointment the week before along with a text message reminder.
My assessor arrived on time, and was a registered physiotherapist, with experience of dealing with sight issues due to helping people who have had strokes.
After a brief check on my identification and proof of disablilty, she went onto ask me a series of questions, the first being about my general well-being, do I drink, smoke or participate in drug use. She asked how I was coping mentally with my situation and I explained that I am on antidepressants and finding my life difficult. We then went on to talk about my condition and how it effects my life on a daily basis. We went through a typical day pointing out at every stage when I need assistance and help. (Before the assessor arrived my partner and I had already gone through a typical day just to make sure that we didn't miss out anything, with as much detail as possible, we also gave her printed information about my condition).
The assessor then asked what hobbies I do or did before I lost my sight. She asked what activities I am able to do, or not, such as gardening, housework, cooking, washing etc. I was then asked about my mobility, am I able to go out unaided, can I go on public transport, go shopping etc. I was asked if there was anything that could be done to my property to make things easier for me.
She told me that Capita had received information from my GP and Consultant supporting my claim and if we didn't here from the DWP in 4 weeks to phone them. The assessment took 1 hour 15 minutes, it was quite a short assessment compaired to other peoples, so I don't know whether that is a good or bad sign.
All in all I was dreading this assessment, but the lady was lovely and considerate.
Impatiant as I am I decided to phone the DWP today 2nd May, on the off chance they might have received my assessment and I was told that they had received it yesterday, I have requested a copy of my assessment and was told they aim to make decision within the next 3 weeks.
I hope this might be of help to people especially with sensory impairment problems. I will be updating when I have received my decision, fingers crossed it won't be too long.
Scotty1