By Linda Howard,Siobhan Middleton

Copyright cambridge-news

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that “all health professionals (HPs)” conducting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are “fully qualified in their health discipline and have passed strict recruitment and experience criteria”.

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, made these remarks in a written response to Labour MP Adam Jogee, reports the Daily Record.

Jogee had queried what measures the DWP were implementing to ensure “adequate training and guidance for PIP assessors on arthritis and other chronic, fluctuating health conditions”.

Sir Stephen clarified that the PIP assessment gauges “how an individual’s condition affects their ability to live independently, rather than focusing solely on the nature or severity of their condition”.

The DWP Minister elaborated: “The assessment considers whether a person can carry out specific activities safely, reliably, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time frame.

“The process does not assess individuals based on their ‘best days’; instead, it considers the overall impact of a condition over time, specifically considering functional limitations that occur on more than 50 per cent of days within a given period.

“All health professionals (HPs) are fully qualified in their health discipline and have passed strict recruitment and experience criteria. They are also required to be registered with the appropriate regulatory body.

“The department authorises HPs to conduct assessments only after suppliers demonstrate that the HP has successfully completed a department approved training and appraisal programme. This process confirms that HPs possess a sound understanding of the clinical aspects and likely functional effects of a broad range of health conditions.”

He also explained that, from September 2024, the DWP assumed control over the Core Training and Guidance Material (CTGM), which is used within the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS), he added.

A brief overview of PIP assessments

The PIP assessment is your chance to discuss how your condition impacts you – it’s not about diagnosing your condition or conducting a medical examination. The DWP will use evidence from the assessment to determine if you’re eligible for PIP.

Your assessment will be conducted by a health professional who will write a report and send it to the DWP decision maker.

If you’re awaiting a review, it’s advisable to have a copy of your PIP evidence form on hand for telephone, video and face-to-face assessments. This allows you to refer back to it, particularly if it was filled out a few years ago.

Discussing the impact of your condition

Citizens Advice provides a useful guide on their website, advising that you should be ready to discuss how your condition affects you, even if you’ve already detailed it on your PIP evidence form (the PIP2 document).

While this can be challenging, it will be extremely beneficial if you can discuss:

The types of things you struggle with, or are unable to do at all – for instance, climbing stairs unaided or remembering to attend appointments. How your condition impacts your daily life. What a difficult day looks like for you – for example, “On a bad day, I can’t walk at all due to the severe pain in my injured leg” or “On a bad day, my depression is so overwhelming that I can’t focus on anything”.

Observations based on what you say and do during the assessment

The assessor will use the information provided on your PIP claim form, but will also form opinions based on your statements and actions on the day. For instance, they may inquire about how you arrived at the centre for an in-person assessment.

If you mention that you took the bus, without further explanation, they might note down 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 compelled 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 telephone assessment, you might be asked to describe how you carry out simple tasks such as preparing and cooking meals, getting dressed and washed, and how you navigate outside your home. Don’t rush to answer. Bear in mind they are reviewing your claim form and asking the same questions you’ve already responded to.

Take a moment, think it over, and then respond

When explaining how your disability or health condition affects you, it’s important to be detailed and methodical. Even if the process seems lengthy, it’s crucial to demonstrate exactly how you manage tasks to the assessor. Don’t rush or oversimplify your methods.

The assessor will also take note of your mental state during the assessment, recording observations such as whether you appear happy or depressed, tense or relaxed, and how you handle social interaction.

During the assessment, remember that you can have someone with you, whether it’s conducted over the phone, via video call, or in person. If you’re on a call, ensure it’s on loudspeaker and inform the assessor about who is present with you.

For face-to-face assessments, the DWP provides guidance which can be found on the GOV.UK website. You’re allowed to bring along someone aged 16 or above for support, such as a friend, relative, or carer.

They can participate in discussions and help you take notes if needed.

Things to remember before the assessment

Before attending a face-to-face assessment, check with your provider to ensure the assessment centre has all the necessary facilities. If something is missing, don’t hesitate to request it.

This can help make you feel more at ease on the day. Here are a few examples:

Inquire if you will need to ascend stairs, and whether there’s a lift that can accommodate a wheelchair if necessary. If you feel anxious in confined spaces, ask about the spaciousness of the centre – if the rooms or corridors are small, express your concerns and see what accommodations they can provide. Request an interpreter or signer if required – ensure this is done at least two working days prior to your assessment to allow time for arrangements. If it matters to you, request that the person conducting the assessment be of the same gender as you. Inquire if you can make an audio recording of the assessment – this must be done three days before your assessment and you should consult your provider about the rules for using recording equipment.

Changing the venue

If the location of your face-to-face assessment is more than 90 minutes away by public transport and you struggle with long-distance travel, you may be offered an alternative location or home visit. Refer to the published guidance on GOV.UK, which includes travel restriction advice for Scotland, England, and Wales.