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The Assessment and Decision Making Process
Arranging the Assessment When the DWP get your completed PIP form it’s sent to a health professional (HP) to see whether any further evidence is needed, this usually means that you’ll be assessed. This stage is especially important for people who struggle with the claims process because of a mental health, intellectual or cognitive impairment, because of a lack of insight into their condition, or symptoms of violence and aggression when the person feels frightened or vulnerable. In these cases the DWP and the assessment provider are under a duty to look at whether the person needs additional support. The HP will need to think about whether a face to face assessment at a clinic would be appropriate and whether an alternative method should be arranged, for example at your home, by telephone or video. (see 1.6.2 PIP Assessment Guide Part 1:the assessment process - Face to face consultations may be carried out at a range of locations, including an assessment centre, local healthcare centre or in the claimant's own home. This list is not definitive and the location should take into account the need to provide an appropriate venue to enable the claimant to attend the assessment.) If they fail to do this they may have unlawfully discriminated against you. If you’re able to send lots of good evidence with your form, you may have your claim decided without the need for a face to face assessment. If you have made a claim because you are terminally ill you will automatically receive the enhanced rate daily living component however, a claim for the mobility component will need to be assessed. If they decide to assess you, the assessment provider must send you a letter at least 7 days in advance asking you to attend. The letter should include the date, time and place of your assessment. You should check what time, day, and method of assessment you’ve been given. You may also be asked to travel up to 90 minutes to the assessment centre. If there’s any good reason why you can’t do any of these things you should contact them as soon as possible to let them know. If your request for an alternative method is refused and you don’t attend, your claim may be refused. If this happens you should ask for a mandatory reconsideration of the decision to end your claim and seek help immediately (see section 6, Challenging a PIP decision). The assessment can be recorded but you must get permission first. There are also rules about what type of equipment can be used. The assessor should also be given a copy at the consultation. If your first language isn’t English you should contact the assessment provider as soon as possible so that they can arrange for an interpreter to be there. You can also have someone with you at the assessment, such as a family member, friend, carer or support worker. They are allowed to give information to the assessor.
PIP assessment guide part 1 and part 3: the assessment process and health professional performance: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment guide for assessment providers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The assessment is not a medical which involves diagnosis and treatment of your disability or condition. It focuses on the effects of your health condition and impairment on your day-to-day life, looking at what you can and can’t do on most days, not your worst day
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