I’m a PIP assessor, happy to advise if I can

[Impr90]

Hello all,

If you’ve got any questions you think I might be able to help with, please let me know

All the best for the New Year

Awful job I would be ashamed to admit it

@Shityshitybangbang I’m so pleased you had this experience- yes if possible to just get the necessary info from medical professionals then that is what will happen. This is to prevent any unnecessary stress to claimants having to be (re)assessed when the information is available already. It is hopefully a helpful change!

Somebody has to do it - and the OP sounds like a caring person

I think what the OP is saying is that a simple diagnosis of diabetes is unlikely to qualify unless there are complications or co-morbidities. For example poorly controlled diabetes can lead to heart disease and amputations, which would increase the likelihood of an award, but uncomplicated diabetes, controlled by diet or standard meds, would be unlikely to meet the criteria.

I appreciate all that, which is why I sat in on the calls.

In my experience, my relative was repeatedly asked how far she could walk. First in metres and then feet, then how long for. They were actively trying to catch her out. In the end I had to practically raise my voice and say we have explained 'she is IMMOBILE!' She was also given a low score on daily living despite being bowel incontinent and having evidence from the surgeon who performed her surgery as well as Drs notes and colonoscopy results.

I can only assume this particular assessor was some kind of sadist witch on a power trip, unfortunately she doesn't appear to be alone judging from others experiences. That is why my genuine question to you was whether there is an unwritten understanding that applications should be denied to the point of tribunal?

Why is it so torturous?

It was like pure harassment. I would get multiple letters a week for no reason, several phone calls where people tell you your lying, ask stupid questions, constantly tell you you'll fail. The nicer ones talk to you like your stupid and the nastier ones talk down to you like your a liar.

And whats with the utterly over the top ridiculous questions?

I have brain damage that effect my motor co-ordination, one of the questions on the forms is literally on the specific ability to use a knife and fork for example. When then asked the far more generic question in the phone assessment of 'can I feed myself' I point out that while I can pick some solid things up (say Crisps) with my hands and get most of it in my mouth (but will make a mess) but can not use utensils like knives, forks, spoons etc... so could not or seriously struggle to eat things that need cutting or are slippery like sauce based foods or liquids like soup. Only to then be asked ridiculous follow up questions like 'does your husband physically chew food for you and then put it into your mouth?' and then when I say 'no' (because I'm not a baby bird, NO ONE has their carer spit food in their mouth ffs) they say theres nothing wrong then.

This is just one of many ridiculous extremes asked to then say well if your not THAT bad you must be fine. Prior to being with my DH I was 5 foot 7 and 6 stone and put in hospital for not being able to eat properly, yes I have gained 4 stone since being with him but I'm not magically 'cured' I simply have a carer now. One thats overstretched because hes working full time, I can't work and hes caring too with no financial help.

Despite being perminately disabled, unable to work and spending half my life at doctor/hospital appointments (which I struggle with as DH has to take me and as said he also has to work full time) I get NO help from PIP and frankly cannot mentally face attempting to apply again.

The job center accept and see my disability but despite them saying I should clearly get PIP for the last decade+ (I'm not even suitable for their work programs and they have me on long term sick note) they are two entirely separate entities and PIP just won't accept that and said the jobcenter just send 'everyone' to them.

To people that had an easy ride congrats... maybe you said a magic word or something but for millions its NOT easy. Ironically the most vulnerable are usually the ones tortured. Citizens Advice and Scope get over run with people struggling, many like me who give up because it starts to effect their MH.

I don’t think there’s any answer on this earth I could give you which would be satisfactory to you so let’s leave it there

Why does a stick count as a navigation aid but a navigation device/app doesn't?

@ARichtGoodDram

Thank you,

I tried when I was a lot younger but just didn't bother filling everything out, also I've read people with epilepsy rarely get rewarded pip?

Error. Please reformulate.

you know that we can click on the "edited" button and read your nasty post, right?

Are you not answering all questions or just some

My dh submitted forms for a review of his PIP to the Preston, Lancashire area branch in September and we still haven't heard anything. He's been on standard rate since 2019 for mental health issues. He's been under the care of the local psychosis team for 3 years, the maximum time you can be with them and he's now under the care of the local Community mental health team. He's on a cocktail of meds including anti psychotic meds and he had a social care assessment carried out where it was assessed that he needs lots of assistance. We now get a budget from the local council for respite care so I can have a break as his full time carer. We have also been provided with a peer support worker from a local charity who visits once a week to accompany him on a short, local walk as he will not leave the house alone and earlier this year the DWP sent an officer round to the house at their instigation, to interview both him and me and then made me his official DWP Appointee. I have sent evidence of all this to PIP, it cost a fortune in photocopies and postage and I'm absolutely terrified that he won't get granted it again. Also, as it's taking so long for them to look at his case, will they ask us to re submit everything in case anything has changed by the time they look at it? Thanks

It's not the diagnosis but it's based on needs and whether you can do tasks safely in a timely and reliable manner.

peachystormy · Today 13:19

Thank you. It says something about receiving treatment the next two years. They must have spoken to oncologist or doctors.

Thank you, that’s really nice of you to say

Bumping this as the OP continues to avoid answer any challenging questions which require more than a one sentence response.

I am perplexed as to the reasons why this thread was started. It certainly wasn’t to provide any clarify or any details of the PIP assessment process, including what motivates clinicians to work in that role.

Aids are what you'd use if you're disabled m you'd still need a navigation app as non disabled person. But as a disabled person I need my mobility cane. I'd have no need for it if I wasn't disabled.

I too can prove in quite a few cases that the assessor has lied. Some lies are shocking.

It’s very hit and miss. Often because of forms, but also with epilepsy it’s so varying it’s difficult for people to advice.

Go into the process viewing it as a process in which you have to apply, go to MR and then appeal and that helps imo. If you’re braced for appealing being necessary then any award earlier is a relief.

PIP doesn’t have the same type of indefinite award system as DLA had. An indefinite award on PIP would be ten years and then there would be some type of review. Depending on the condition, and the likelihood or not of improvement, this may be a light touch review by contacting the health professionals associated with the claimant, or a phone call to determine whether anything has changed. So what you’re asking already exists to a certain extent.

I’ve had many of my patients tell me this time and time again. From knowing my patients and knowing the system, I completely believe them.

Just some at the moment though not intentionally . Did I miss yours? Sorry if so, would you mind reposting it in reply to this thread?

@Impr90 You really should be clear with people that assessors do not decide awards.

You’ve ignored that point several times and it’s very misleading for people going into this process.

Decision makers do not merely sign off on your decisions. That’s a complete misrepresentation of their role

Are you the assessor who does the phone calls and is this different to decision maker? I felt like my assessment went well with a compassionate female, but the notes I got were from a male who sounded like he hadn't even listened to the interview or read my application properly.