The DWP’s latest data shows that 4,000 face-to-face assessments for PIP took place in August
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that claimants can currently choose to have their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments recorded. Nonetheless, the Department will continue to monitor the effects of this on disability benefits evaluations.
In a written response to Independent MP Alex Easton, Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms said last month: “Audio recording is available for face-to-face and telephone assessments with all the Department’s assessment providers. These arrangements are publicised on providers’ websites and in assessment invitation letters.”
Sir Stephen also stated that the DWP is aiming to enhance people’s confidence in the health assessment process, According to the Daily Record. He continued: “We have not yet issued guidance to Capita or any health assessment provider about recording assessments as standard.
“The Department is committed to monitoring the impacts of its policies. This includes monitoring the impact of audio recording health assessments as standard for disability benefits.”
The DWP’s latest data shows that 4,000 face-to-face assessments for PIP took place in August. This figure is expected to rise with the DWP’s ongoing welfare reforms, although assessments will still be carried out by phone and video calls when appropriate.
Right now, over 3.8 million people in England and Wales receive weekly PIP payments, ranging from £29.20 to £187.45, totalling £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks. All existing PIP awards for residents of Scotland have been replaced by the Adult Disability Payment, a devolved benefit managed and administered by Social Security Scotland.
PIP assessments explained
The PIP assessment allows you to discuss how your condition impacts you – it’s not a medical diagnosis or examination. The DWP will review the assessment evidence to decide if you qualify for PIP.
A health professional will perform your assessment, prepare a report, and send it to the DWP decision-maker. If you’re waiting for a review, it’s helpful to have a copy of your PIP evidence form on hand for telephone, video, or face-to-face assessments. This way, you can refer to it, especially if it was filled out several years ago.
Discussing how your condition affects you
A helpful guide on the Citizens Advice website recommends that you should be prepared to discuss how your condition affects you, even if you’ve already provided details on your PIP evidence form. This may be difficult, but it will help if you can talk about:
- The kind of things you have difficulty with, or can’t do at all – for example, walking up steps without help or remembering to go to appointments
- How your condition affects you day to day
- What a bad day is like for you – for example, ‘On a bad day, I can’t walk at all because my injured leg hurts so much’ or ‘On a bad day, I’m so depressed I can’t concentrate on anything’
The assessor will consider the information you provide on your PIP claim form while observing your actions and statements on assessment day. For instance, they may ask how you travelled to the centre for a face-to-face appointment.
If you mention that you came by bus without additional details, they might note that you are able to travel alone on public transport, unless you specify differently.
During the face-to-face assessment, you might be asked to perform certain physical tasks. Remember, you are not required to do anything you typically cannot do. If you opt to perform a task on the day, the assessor may assume you are always able to do it. If any activity makes you uncomfortable, inform the person in charge.
Within a telephone assessment, you may be asked to describe how you perform simple activities such as preparing and cooking food, washing, dressing, and moving around outside your home. Remember, they are reviewing your claim form and asking questions you have previously answered.
A wealth of additional advice on PIP assessments is available at the Citizens Advice website here.
