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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that at present, claimants can opt-in to having their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment recorded. However, under new plans announced in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, the DWP aims to “change this approach to one where we record all health assessments as standard, with a process for claimants to opt-out of a recording should they choose”. In a written response to Independent MP Alex Easton, Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms also said: “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.” He explained that DWP ‘hopes to improve people’s trust in the health assessment process’ and is currently working on plans to implement this measure. Sir Stephen 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.” New data from the DWP shows that 4,000 face-to-face assessments for PIP were conducted in August. That figure is expected to rise as DWP has previously indicated the number of in-person health constellations for PIP will increase as part of its planned welfare reforms, however, assessments will still be conducted over the phone and by video call, depending on the claimant’s circumstances. More than 3.8 million people across England and Wales are now receiving PIP payments of between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. It's important to be aware that all existing PIP awards for people living in Scotland have been transferred to Adult Disability Payment. This devolved benefit is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland. The PIP assessment is an opportunity for you to talk about how your condition affects you - it's not a diagnosis of your condition or a medical examination. The DWP will take into consideration evidence from the assessment to decide if you should be awarded PIP. A health professional will carry out your assessment, write a report and send it to the DWP decision maker. If you are waiting on a review, it’s a good idea to have a copy of your PIP evidence form with you for telephone, video and face-to-face assessments. That way you can refer back to it, especially if it was completed a few years ago. A helpful guide on the Citizens Advice website says you should be prepared to talk about how your condition affects you even if you’ve already detailed it on your PIP evidence form (the PIP2 document). This can be hard to do, but it will really help if you can talk about: The assessor will use the information you gave on your PIP claim form but also draw opinions from what you say and do on the day. For example, they might ask you how you got to the centre for a face-to-face assessment - if you say you came on the bus, without further clarification, they could make a note stating you can travel alone on public transport - unless you highlight otherwise. You might also be asked to carry out some physical tasks during the face-to-face assessment. Don’t feel you have to do things you wouldn’t normally be able to do. If you do them on assessment day, the assessor may think you can always do them, so if you’re not comfortable with something - say so. During the telephone assessment you may be asked to describe how you complete simple tasks such as preparing and cooking food, getting washed and dressed and how you move around outside the home. Don’t rush to respond, remember they are looking at your claim form and asking the same questions you have already answered. Break your answer down and take them through how you complete tasks step-by-step to paint an accurate picture of how your disability or health condition affects you. What may seem like a drawn out process for you, will demonstrate exactly how you accomplish tasks to the assessor - so don’t try to speed up or simplify how you get things done. The assessor will also make a note of your mental state during the assessment - for example, they will record whether you look or sound depressed or happy, tense or relaxed and how you cope with social interaction. You can have someone with you while you do the assessment over the phone, on the video call or in person, just remember to put the call on loudspeaker and advise the assessor who is with you. The DWP has guidance on attending an assessment, which you can find on the GOV.UK website here . You can take someone with you into the actual assessment if they are 16 or over. This could be anyone who makes you feel more comfortable, like a friend, relative or carer. If you want, they can take part in discussions and make notes for you. Check with your assessment provider that your assessment centre has everything you need - if it doesn’t, you can ask for it. This can help make you feel more comfortable on the day. Here are a few examples: If the location of your face-to-face assessment is more than 90 minutes away by public transport and you have difficulty travelling long distances, you might be offered an alternative location or home visit. Again, refer to the published guidance on GOV.UK as it includes travel restriction advice for Scotland, England and Wales.
