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Original poster

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

565 replies

Impr90 · 31/12/2024 11:33

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

OP posts:
DollopOfFun · 31/12/2024 12:14

x2boys · 31/12/2024 12:12

Well whyvdo you keep putting laughing emoji,when i explained my child was severely disabled?

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That's appalling.

Original poster
Impr90 · 31/12/2024 12:14

Mikiamo · 31/12/2024 11:57

I could expand on that. Someone I supported had what seemed like the kindest, nicest assessor. They had severe autism and were physically disabled. They were in tears and having breathing difficulties during the assessment. The assessor put his hand on their shoulder and told them that he would not make them do the physical part of the assessment, so they don't need to worry about that part, because he could see from their actions and mobility equipment that they were in pain.
In his report, he wrote that the applicant refused to participate in the physical part of the assessment, so he was unable to assess the mobility part of the claim, and awarded a disabled, wheelchair user zero points.

The care part of the assessment was also complete fabrication. Every word. That's pure evil.

If that person hadn't had me to advocate for them, I doubt they'd be alive now.

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That’s very sad, I’m sorry to hear that happened

OP posts:
Ohthatsabitshit · 31/12/2024 12:15

Mikiamo · 31/12/2024 11:41

Why don't you pop along and read the thread currently in the AIBU section, about how someone's disabled son was treated during the PIP process.

I've never spoken to one person who has had a positive experience with a PIP assessor. What are you going to do that will make things different for applicants?

How will you meet your targets of turning people down if you are trying to help them?

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We were assessed over the phone and had a very positive experience.

Baileysatchristmas · 31/12/2024 12:15

Impr90 · 31/12/2024 12:13

I’m really sorry to hear this and I don’t understand what purpose it would serve an assessor to do that to you. I’m glad you got your award and all the best for the future

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Well I don't know either and I was absolutely in bits after the assessment. I was called a liar in the report and lies actual lies were written about stuff I hadn't said and couldn't do.

And I can prove that. And I think the fact that I was awarded within a couple of weeks of asking for a MR proves it.

The purpose is that it saved the government some money. That's why they did it. Has to be. Either that or they have a quota to refuse.

CautiousLurker01 · 31/12/2024 12:15

No questions, but thanks for the job you do.

Our PIP assessor for my DD19 (ASD/ADHD/chronic mental health issues) was incredible. Really supportive, conducted one of the interviews over the phone to reduce the stress of carting my DD off on a 40min journey to new/strange place for an interview, and gave me space to be honest about what we were coping with (I may have cried during the interview). Has been such a relief to have some money put aside for DD that has helped scaffold her back into college (doing an access course) and is even applying to Uni. Whilst we have no idea whether she will be able to live truly independently in Halls, or even get a place and have the courage to go, the extra funds have given us a safety net for taxis, covered her medications (which we still have to get privately) and helped pay for ADHD counselling and support.

Before the PIP she rarely left the house at all and felt guilty that she could only do so with us and that I was basically on call 24/7 for any meltdowns MH crises on any visits to friends etc. Now she can get a taxi if needed and the knowledge that she can be independent in a crisis has really helped her, as has having the funds to pay for fortnightly sessions with her specialist counsellor.

Mikiamo · 31/12/2024 12:16

Baileysatchristmas · 31/12/2024 12:15

Well I don't know either and I was absolutely in bits after the assessment. I was called a liar in the report and lies actual lies were written about stuff I hadn't said and couldn't do.

And I can prove that. And I think the fact that I was awarded within a couple of weeks of asking for a MR proves it.

The purpose is that it saved the government some money. That's why they did it. Has to be. Either that or they have a quota to refuse.

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It's both. Targets to hit and need to turn down as many people as possible. Many people cannot advocate for themselves, or give up and don't go to MR.

CandyRaining · 31/12/2024 12:18

To be fair to the op, although pip is a really horrible and unfair process, I have helped people to claim and there are some genuinely helpful and sympathetic assessors out there. I’ve also come across ones that have lied through their teeth for no apparent reason (a recent one was saying a non verbal person couldn’t be too troubled by anxiety as they managed to have friendships which was a complete fabrication, friends were never mentioned, they don’t have any and never have!) but there are good, honest assessors too.

Mikiamo · 31/12/2024 12:18

DollopOfFun · 31/12/2024 12:14

That's appalling.

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And also completely untrue. I'm severely disabled. Why would I laugh at a disabled child? I laugh reacted, yes. At the statement after the part about the disabled child. Because it was amusing. That's what the reaction button is there for, and if the poster wants to twist it to suit their own agenda, that's their issue.

Original poster
Impr90 · 31/12/2024 12:18

BrusselSproutsRock · 31/12/2024 12:06

My experience was really positive too. Awarded higher rate for MH and ED issues. They actually granted me points for criteria that I said I could cope with on the basis of my diagnoses.

Great to hear

OP posts:
cutieee · 31/12/2024 12:18

hiya, how often does the PIP gets reviewed? i was assessed last the year (2023) in october/november time and was given an award due to mental health. soon after i landed myself a job and the award started to diminish slowly each month and rightly so, because of my wages & savings. my mental health hasn’t improved much but i prefer to work rather than staying at home. is it possible to stay on it despite not earning much from it? i’m anxious if i have a mental breakdown or an episode making me unable to work.

PumpkinPurple · 31/12/2024 12:18

I'm sorry you are getting abuse simply because of your occupation. I do hope that this doesn't happen in real life, but I strongly suspect it might.

Thank you for offering to help with any questions people might have.

I have a physical condition that is only ever going to get worse, never better (unless a miracle cure is found). I get higher rate PIP. Do you think under these circumstances, it is a waste of precious time and money doing regular reviews?

Username197 · 31/12/2024 12:19

@Impr90 thank you for this thread. I used to receive DLA then moved over to PIP more years ago than I can remember (I would guess at least 10). I had an assessment in person when it moved over and receive standard rate for the daily living part. I have never had a review- should I expect one? I have an impairment from birth that will never change and impact will always be the same.

LadyDimpletonFrisby · 31/12/2024 12:20

I bet this is the most important/relevant you have felt in years, op!
Have a coffee and put your feet up, lol.

DollopOfFun · 31/12/2024 12:20

Mikiamo · 31/12/2024 12:18

And also completely untrue. I'm severely disabled. Why would I laugh at a disabled child? I laugh reacted, yes. At the statement after the part about the disabled child. Because it was amusing. That's what the reaction button is there for, and if the poster wants to twist it to suit their own agenda, that's their issue.

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You don't put a laughing emoji on a post mentioning a severely disabled child ffs.

Or at least if you do, do it publicly.

MyrtlethePurpleTurtle · 31/12/2024 12:20

foxyfoxedfox · 31/12/2024 11:49

Anyone can say they’re anything on the internet. I hope nobody here makes decisions or fills in forms based on advice from some random who could be anyone. Take care trusting anything posted here.

Take care trusting anything posted on Mumsnet

x2boys · 31/12/2024 12:20

Mikiamo · 31/12/2024 12:18

And also completely untrue. I'm severely disabled. Why would I laugh at a disabled child? I laugh reacted, yes. At the statement after the part about the disabled child. Because it was amusing. That's what the reaction button is there for, and if the poster wants to twist it to suit their own agenda, that's their issue.

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You also laughed when I said I was glad you found it amusing, would you like it if I found your disabilities hilarious?

Plastictrees · 31/12/2024 12:21

Mikiamo · 31/12/2024 11:52

Is it really? I actually support people through the process and I work in disability rights. I'm also disabled. I'm not exaggerating anything and the things I have seen and experienced are absolutely shocking.

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You are correct. I’ve done peer reviewed research in this area. The PIP assessment process is known for being distressing and often re-traumatising - particularly for those with mental health difficulties and/or a history of trauma. Thankfully things are changing (slowly) due to claimants speaking out and the growing evidence base of the harm caused by these assessments, as well as how inaccurate they can be.

For anyone who doubts this, a cursory google search will bring up articles and research citing the harms of these assessments. Of course it’s good to hear about the positive experiences experienced by the minority, I hope this will become the majority.

Mikiamo · 31/12/2024 12:21

This reply has been deleted

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TigerRag · 31/12/2024 12:21

Username197 · 31/12/2024 12:19

@Impr90 thank you for this thread. I used to receive DLA then moved over to PIP more years ago than I can remember (I would guess at least 10). I had an assessment in person when it moved over and receive standard rate for the daily living part. I have never had a review- should I expect one? I have an impairment from birth that will never change and impact will always be the same.

The maximum is 10 years. I understand there's backlogs. Seen so many people say they've had letters extending their awards for another year

Mikiamo · 31/12/2024 12:22

DollopOfFun · 31/12/2024 12:20

You don't put a laughing emoji on a post mentioning a severely disabled child ffs.

Or at least if you do, do it publicly.

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They don't show up publicly. I've already said I put one, which is public, and explained why. HTH.

Original poster
Impr90 · 31/12/2024 12:23

Mikiamo · 31/12/2024 12:16

It's both. Targets to hit and need to turn down as many people as possible. Many people cannot advocate for themselves, or give up and don't go to MR.

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@Mikiamo could you please point us in the direction of a source which supports your claim that there are targets to turn people down? Thanks

OP posts:
ARichtGoodDram · 31/12/2024 12:24

Username197 · 31/12/2024 12:19

@Impr90 thank you for this thread. I used to receive DLA then moved over to PIP more years ago than I can remember (I would guess at least 10). I had an assessment in person when it moved over and receive standard rate for the daily living part. I have never had a review- should I expect one? I have an impairment from birth that will never change and impact will always be the same.

Do you have an indefinite award?

Generally they aren’t issued in the same way anymore and the max is 10/11 years, but if you have an old indefinite then it’s a piece of string question.

lolit · 31/12/2024 12:24

I am going to apply soon, I have ASD and depression. Do I have to pick one to apply for or can I apply on the basis of both? It's hard to tell sometimes which symptoms are ASD and which are depression for me, it's intertwined.

TigerRag · 31/12/2024 12:24

Impr90 · 31/12/2024 12:23

@Mikiamo could you please point us in the direction of a source which supports your claim that there are targets to turn people down? Thanks

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The government did say the idea of pip was to cut the amount (I can't remember if that was claims or the overall bill) by 20%

Original poster
Impr90 · 31/12/2024 12:25

lolit · 31/12/2024 12:24

I am going to apply soon, I have ASD and depression. Do I have to pick one to apply for or can I apply on the basis of both? It's hard to tell sometimes which symptoms are ASD and which are depression for me, it's intertwined.

You can absolutely apply on the basis of both. All the best with your application

OP posts: