A Department for Pensions (DWP) minister has confirmed the department will be increasing the number of health professionals in assessment centres to carry out more face-to-face PIP assessments
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed the majority of assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are being conducted over the phone. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that in June, some 70,000 PIP assessments were carried out over the phone – equivalent to 75.6 per cent of all consultations for that month.
Nevertheless, during DWP ministerial questions in Parliament on Monday, Sir Stephen Timms confirmed DWP “will increase the number of health professionals in assessment centres” in order to “increase the number of face-to-face, rather than remote, PIP assessments”.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability also stressed that remote assessments will remain available to claimants, telling MPs “it is important to keep telephone or video alternatives for those who need them”.
Sir Stephen also underlined the necessity to provide different types of assessments to meet the needs of all claimants. Liberal Democrat MP Edward Morello described how some of his West Dorset constituents have written to him saying the prospect of a remote PIP assessment caused “deep anxiety”, reports the Daily Record.
He added: “One constituent, despite previously being awarded enhanced PIP, has endured months of repeated phone assessments, which have triggered severe panic attacks and high blood pressure, and caused lasting psychological harm.”
He then enquired about additional resources to support the roll-out of more face-to-face assessments. Sir Stephen detailed how the shift to remote assessments – conducted over the phone or via video call – was implemented due to the pandemic.
He further stated: “As was said in the ‘Pathways to Work’ Green Paper, we want to move sharply back to face-to-face, while keeping alternatives for those who need them.
“I am sure (Mr Morello) will have spoken to people for whom the prospect of going to an assessment centre provokes the kind of anxiety that his constituent experienced as a result of a telephone call. We are speaking to the assessment providers, and we have already increased the proportion of face-to-face assessments. That work will continue.”
PIP assessments in a nutshell
The PIP assessment is an opportunity for you to discuss how your condition affects you – it’s not a diagnosis of your condition or a medical examination. The DWP will consider evidence from the assessment to decide if you should be awarded PIP.
A health professional will conduct your assessment, write a report and send it to the DWP decision maker. If you are awaiting a review, it’s advisable to have a copy of your PIP evidence form with you for telephone, video and face-to-face assessments. This way, you can refer back to it, especially if it was completed a few years ago.
Discussing how your condition affects you
The Citizens Advice website provides a useful guide, advising that you should be ready to discuss how your condition impacts you, even if you’ve already detailed it on your PIP evidence form (the PIP2 document).
This might be challenging, but it will be beneficial if you can discuss:
- the types of tasks you struggle with or are unable to do – for instance, climbing stairs without assistance or remembering to attend appointments.
- how your condition affects your daily life.
- what a difficult day looks 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’.
Observations on what you say and do during the assessment
The assessor will use the information you provided on your PIP claim form, but will also form opinions based on what you say and do on the day. For instance, they might ask you how you arrived at the centre for a face-to-face assessment – if you mention you took the bus, without further clarification, they could note down that you’re able to travel alone on public transport – unless you specify otherwise.
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 normally be able to do. If you manage to do them on assessment day, the assessor may assume you can always do them, so if you’re not comfortable with something – speak up.
During the phone assessment, you might be asked to explain how you carry out simple tasks such as preparing meals, personal hygiene, and moving around outside your home. Don’t feel rushed to answer; bear in mind they’re reviewing your claim form and asking questions you’ve already responded to.
Take a moment, think, then respond
Break down your response and guide them through how you accomplish tasks step-by-step to provide an accurate depiction of how your disability or health condition impacts you. What may seem like a lengthy process for you will clearly illustrate to the assessor how you manage tasks – so don’t attempt to hasten or simplify your methods.
The assessor will also take note of your mental state during the evaluation – for instance, they’ll document whether you appear or sound depressed or cheerful, tense or relaxed, and how you handle social interaction.
Key points to remember during the assessment
- Don’t let the assessor rush you and try not to just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to their questions
- Always try to explain how doing something would make you feel afterwards and the impact it can have on you if you had to do it repeatedly in a short period of time
You’re allowed to have someone with you during the phone assessment, video call, or in-person meeting. Just ensure the call is on speakerphone and inform the assessor who is accompanying you.
Bringing someone along for support during a face-to-face assessment
The DWP provides guidance on attending an assessment, which can be found on the GOV.UK website. If you wish, you can bring someone aged 16 or over with you to the actual assessment. This could be anyone who helps you feel more at ease, such as a friend, relative or carer. They can participate in discussions and take notes for you if you’d like.
Before attending a face-to-face assessment
Ensure your assessment provider confirms that your assessment centre has everything you need – if it doesn’t, you can request it. This can help you feel more relaxed on the day.
Here are a few examples:
- Inquire if you will have to climb stairs, and if there’s a lift that can accommodate a wheelchair if you require one.
- Ask about the size of the centre if you become anxious in confined spaces – if the rooms or corridors are small, inform them this could make you anxious and see what they can offer you.
- Request an interpreter or signer if you need one – do this at least two working days before your assessment so they have time to arrange it.
- Request for the person conducting the assessment to be the same gender as you, if that’s important to you.
- Inquire if you can make an audio recording of the assessment – you must do this three days before your assessment and ask your provider about the rules for using recording equipment.
Changing the venue
If the site of your in-person assessment is more than 90 minutes away by public transport and you struggle with long-distance travel, an alternative location or home visit may be offered. Once again, refer to the published guidance on GOV.UK as it includes advice on travel restrictions for Scotland, England and Wales.