How to prepare for your PIP assessment interview
Learn what to expect, how to prepare truthful examples and how to explain the effect of your health conditions or disabilities clearly during your assessment.
The YouTube player loads only after you press play. You can also watch on YouTube.
What this video covers
A PIP assessment gives you an opportunity to explain how your daily living and mobility are affected. The video walks through preparing examples, organising useful documents, discussing sensitive subjects and keeping a record of what happens afterwards.
- What you will learn
- Understand the purpose of the assessment
- Prepare examples using the six-part formula
- What to include and avoid in your answers
- Gather useful supporting documents
- Explain your daily routine
- What to expect during the interview
- Answer sensitive questions with confidence
- What happens after the interview
- Get ready and stay confident
The six-part formula for a clear example
This structure can help you organise a real example without memorising a script. Only include details that are true for you, and use your own words.
- 1
Task
Name the everyday activity and the specific thing you were trying to do.
- 2
Difficulty
Describe exactly what went wrong or what you could not do reliably.
- 3
Cause
Explain which symptom or effect of your condition caused the difficulty.
- 4
Help
Say whether you needed an aid, prompting, supervision or physical assistance.
- 5
Frequency
Explain how often this happens, including how your ability varies over time.
- 6
Consequences
Describe the result, such as pain, fatigue, risk, recovery time or an unfinished task.
Putting the formula together
For example, you might identify preparing a simple meal as the task, explain the particular difficulty you experienced and what caused it, record any help or aid you needed, say how often it happens, and finish with what happened afterwards. A specific event is usually clearer than a broad statement such as “I always struggle.”
The formula is a writing and preparation aid, not a required form of words. If one part does not apply to your example, do not invent information to fill it.
Documents to have nearby
- A copy of your PIP form and any additional information you submitted.
- Your current medication, treatment and appointment information.
- Relevant supporting evidence and a note explaining what each item shows.
- Short notes about real examples, variation and the help you receive.
- Paper and a pen so you can record anything you want to remember afterwards.
During the assessment
- Listen to the whole question and ask for it to be repeated or explained if needed.
- Answer honestly rather than trying to guess what answer is expected.
- Explain variation instead of describing only your best or worst day.
- Say what help you need, including help you need but do not always receive.
- Ask for a pause if you need time because of pain, fatigue, distress or concentration.