The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a big update to anyone who claims Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and gets a face-to-face assessment. New data from the DWP shows 77 per cent of claims are now being assessed remotely via video or telephone interview.
18 per cent are submitting paper applications. It means just a tiny number face face-to-face assessments from the government and benefits department, amid planned changes to disability payments and benefits coming in 2025.
During the assessment, the health professional will ask you questions about how your health condition or disability affects you and how you manage day-to-day activities. Assessors encourage you to bring someone with you to your assessment.
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This could be a friend, family member, carer or support worker. Your companion should not speak for you, but they can help you to answer any questions or explain the difficulties you face more clearly. If your companion will be translating or interpreting for you, they must be over 18.
Capita explains: “Our health professionals are specially trained in carrying out functional assessments. It is important to remember that the assessment is not medical, so the health professional is not looking to diagnose your symptoms or recommend treatment. Instead, it will focus on how your health condition or disability impacts your day-to-day life.
“The health professional will ask you how you manage your daily activities and will record your answers on a laptop. This is your opportunity to explain how your health condition or disability affects you. The assessment will take as long as is necessary for the health professional to gather the information they need – this is usually around an hour.
“As part of the assessment, the health professional may ask you to complete some basic movements. If you feel you cannot complete these movements without discomfort or pain, please let the health professional know. You will not need to adjust any clothing or have a physical examination.
“The health professional may also be able to see some of the difficulties that you have with certain tasks during the time you spend together. They will include these observations in their report.”