I carry out PIP assessments - AMA

[PIPnamechanged]

The disclaimer:

I changed my name for this.

I can’t tell you why your claim was declined, or if you’ll be accepted with a particular condition.

I can’t comment on individual claims or look you up on the system on Monday.

I won’t bother with any “how do you sleep at night?” comments as they’re just inflammatory.

I’ve done the job for around 8 years, so covered the job in pre and post-pandemic times. Work full time, 9-5 and I’m a nurse by profession.

My part of the job is the actual consultation.

Ask away!

When there’s a long gap between the form coming in and me speaking to them, I check to make sure everything is still accurate. It never is 😂Medications are always different, additional conditions to add…the form becomes a bit out of date so we just gather all the fresh info on the phone/video call.

Some people don’t have to do the interview. If you have a very serious or lifelong condition, you can be awarded without our involvement. Most people do require a chat though.

There have been a few positive changes. One in particular was with anxiety. It used to be that the person had to be unable to function (vomiting, incontinence, crying, holding, running into traffic due to fear etc). Now, it’s far less strict, thankfully.

The DWP doesn't like requesting information from healthcare professionals because they have to pay for it, hence it's always best if the claimant provides the necessary letters, reports etc.

Can you say what job you do? And what conditions you claim PIP for?

I meant it sardonically that DWP use driving as a reason to deny an award. It isn't right but they do. We are on the same page.

In hindsight, many of the questions by the PIP assessor were leading questions. She (paramedic) asked dd if she was at university. Does she go on the internet. What grades did she get at GCSE. If you answered yes to any of them, the DWP would have twisted that around to say she is capable and did not award points, ignoring all the other evidence you submitted.

They asked the driving question too. Luckily I was able to say dd almost got herself and the instructor killed. She never passed.

@PIPnamechanged thank you.
That's good to know about anxiety as it's one of my main conditions. I do get very severe panic attacks etc but it's good if they are more understanding about it. Not so much for me as I think I'm in the highest rate I can be, but for many other people.

Also, I know you get a lot of flack but the assessors I've had were always really nice, kind, patient and made me feel so much better by the end of the interview. So if you're anything like them then you're doing a great job. It can't be easy for you. X

When your dd is 16, you can apply to be her appointee. That is what i have for my ds. You can fill out the application form and speak to dwp on the phone or at f2f.

If she won't be able to work, and she goes into supported employment as my son has, support workers are very good at providing supporting statements.

I can see previous PIP awards, but no DLA info.

If someone is moving from DLA to PIP, they’re identified as a “new claim”. Like the DLA never existed. I actually have no knowledge of any DLA award unless the person tells me they were on it.

The transition to PIP isn’t really a transition at all, it’s a line drawn under any previous benefit and starting afresh on a new page.

Wholly unfair.

You can audio record your assessment using your own equipment, but you need to tell the assessor you are doing so.

Yes, but some people have mental health issues and physical problems, so it could get very complex if multiple assessors were involved.

Aw thank you. We’re definitely not popular but I remain acutely aware that any of us can be in a position of needing benefits one day, so I try to be the person I’d want to speak to, if it were me.

I’ve spoken to LOADS of people who ran their own business, worked in professional jobs etc. then for whatever reason it was all lost. It can happen to anyone.

That’s right. We read out a little passage about your use of the recording etc.

I meant that I think they should all be recorded by us too, as standard. 😊

I think it’s about £40 for them to ask for a GP letter. No doubt more for specialists.

You need to request help from a disability charity or Citizens Advice. They will help you complete the form.

Ah ok, I see what you mean.

Broadly similar situation here, uni pending, good results etc...but only achieved through support needs being met and a lot of reasonable adjustments. She wants to drive because she can't manage public transport alone but I'm terrified for her safety and losing the PIP that funds her therapy on the back of it.

It's a no win situation.

@ForeverDelayedEpiphany I’ve seen you post on a couple of threads about your condition. Was it Quetiapine that caused it?

I take Quetiapine for my mental health condition and TD is one of the apparently rare side effects but it makes me really anxious to continue taking it.

It sounds like you really struggle with your condition and I just wanted to say I hope you apply again and maybe look into professional help to fill out the form. Perhaps an independent advocate would also help to support you to assessment as well.

Sending hugs and good thoughts your way.

@BulbousFrog Aw, you sound very nervous and confused by it all.

Citizens Advice or similar is an idea. You might be a bit late if you appointment is coming up.

FWIW, you can reschedule your PIP appointment once with no problems. So if you need to wait for help with the form, reschedule until you can do that.

You can also have someone with you, who can help you out.

That's what I was thinking.

If she is on highest rates then surely on the much shortened renewal form she can just wrote no change ?

I've been on PIP since 16. Now 28. My conditions have only got worse. Last year I wrote no change and was awarded 0 having been on enhanced mobility and enhanced daily living for 11 years.
I had to fight to get it back. Had it back for some months then received another form. Was awarded 0 and now have to go through it again.

They bank on people being too tired to fight back for what they deserve.

They have targets they can't go over.

Next time I receive a form I'm going to write that I will be taking it to court and fight all the way to retain what I know I deserve.

Sick of it.

OP isn't a decision maker.

I’ve got type 1 diabetes (not well controlled) and stage 1 Parkinson’s. What would you say are my chances if I claimed pip?

What are your qualifications and professional/personal experience relevant to your role?

They don't like to contact healthcare professionals because they have to pay, hence it's always best to provide copies of all yourmedical evidence.

Following @Thefanisblowinghotair question as been on QT for 14 years

Which is why I said this is terrible. I am a neurological Occupational Therapist and the thought of someone with a neurological condition or brain injury being assessed by someone without these skills is awful. It's not an individuals fault, but the system. It's just terrible.

Oh, I can see your dilemma.Your dd wants to drive but driving will likely lose her PIP award. I hope she got a mobility award since she cannot manage public transport alone.

Has your dd tried taking lessons? Mine seemed to be doing ok (her 3 instructors did not voice their concerns and were happy to take the fees) until she ran a red light at a cross junction and then her lessons were quietly shelved. My dd's autism affects her ability to process information so could not deal with so much info coming at her when driving. She froze.