DWP PIP assessment changes confirmed for new and existing claimants

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the majority of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are being carried out over the phone

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently confirmed that the vast majority of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) evaluations are taking place via telephone. A Freedom of Information (FOI) enquiry disclosed that during June, approximately 70,000 PIP assessments were undertaken by phone – representing 75.6 per cent of all consultations that month.

However, during DWP ministerial questioning in Parliament on Monday, Sir Stephen Timms announced the DWP “will increase the number of health professionals in assessment centres” to “increase the number of face-to-face, rather than remote, PIP assessments”.

The Minister for Social Security and Disability also stressed that remote evaluations would remain accessible to claimants, informing MPs: “It is important to keep telephone or video alternatives for those who need them.”

Sir Stephen additionally underlined the necessity of offering various assessment types to accommodate all claimants’ requirements. Liberal Democrat MP Edward Morello described how several of his West Dorset constituents had contacted him expressing that the possibility of a remote PIP assessment triggered “deep anxiety”.

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 subsequently enquired about extra resources to facilitate the expansion of additional face-to-face assessments. Sir Stephen outlined how the transition to remote evaluations – conducted via telephone or video link – was implemented during the pandemic, reports the Daily Record.

He continued: “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 evaluations explained

The PIP evaluation provides an opportunity to discuss how your condition impacts you – it’s not a diagnosis of your condition or a medical examination. The DWP will consider evidence from the evaluation when determining whether you should receive PIP.

A healthcare professional will conduct your evaluation, prepare a report and forward it to the DWP decision maker. If you’re awaiting a review, it’s advisable to keep a copy of your PIP evidence form handy for telephone, video and face-to-face evaluations. This allows you to reference it, particularly if it was completed several years ago.

Discussing how your condition impacts 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 based on what you say and do during the assessment

The assessor will use the information you provided on your PIP claim form, but they will also form opinions based on what you say and do on the day. For instance, they might ask how you arrived at the centre for a face-to-face assessment – if you mention you took the bus, without further explanation, they could note that you’re capable of travelling 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 the day of the assessment, the assessor might assume you can always do them, so if you’re uncomfortable with something – speak up.

During the phone evaluation, you might be asked to explain how you carry out simple tasks such as preparing and cooking meals, getting dressed, and navigating outside your home. Don’t feel pressured to respond quickly; bear in mind that they are reviewing your claim form and posing the same questions you’ve already answered.

Pause, think, and then respond

Break down your answer and guide them through how you accomplish tasks step-by-step to provide a precise depiction of how your disability or health condition impacts you. What may appear to be 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 will 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.