Universal credit and PIP

[Firstshoes]

My dd20 has autism and anxiety with depression. She started claiming UC a couple of months ago. Her work coach said she quite clearly isn't fit for work (she doesn't go out alone and finds it very difficult to speak to people). The work coach advised getting a fit note for 3 months and applying for PIP which we did. We also received a massive form to fill in for UC health thing which means she doesn't have to look for work. The PIP assessment was done over the phone. DD found it stressful and gruelling but had a message today to say PIP has been awarded (no idea what level yet). She has just received an appointment for a video assessment now from the health assessment advisory service. She is so upset having to go through ANOTHER assessment so soon after the PIP one. She doesn't think she can cope with a video one either. Does she have any options at all?

Thank you for the advice. We will contact them

If it turns out that she has only been awarded LCW and not LCWWRA, it may be worth appealing.

When I do UC50s for clients with mental health issues, I often find it difficult to find a descriptor that will get them the 15 points required for LCWWRA, so I ask them to consider that there may be "substantial risk" to the mental health of the client if they had to undertake work-related activity, and it seems to work.

If you need to appeal, the relevant regulation is at paragraph 4 of Schedule 9 of the Universal Credit Regulations 2013.