DWP Work Assessment Interview with Appointee or DD?

[MuddlingThroughWithoutAClue]

I am DD's appointee for PIP and last year a made a credits-only claim for ESA with a view to protecting her NI record and (hopefully) getting a decision of LCWRA on file for the future should she need to claim UC (currently in education with EHCP, hopefully starting a new course in September but who knows how things will go).

Have today received appointment letter from DWP for telephone assessment next week. The letter is addressed to me but then says "Dear DD" and uses phrases like "you must attend", "you can have someone with you for support".

I am unclear what is expected by DWP and would also like to know what our position is legally. DD would not manage the assessment by herself - this is why I am her appointee. I completed the work capability questionnaire and I really need to answer the questions for her although she could be in the same room listening if necessary. I don't want to ask DWP in case they give me incorrect information.

DD (19) has GAD, low mood, ASD, social
Communication difficulties and is awaiting ADHD assessment.

Thank you

[SearchingForSolitude]

As appointee you can speak on the phone on behalf of DD. Some assessors will tell you otherwise, but you can be insistent, especially if it would be detrimental to DD’s mental health.

[MuddlingThroughWithoutAClue]

Thank you, that's helpful. Do you know if DD would still need to be in the room and listening? I would find it easier if she wasn't.

[SearchingForSolitude]

She doesn’t have to be, again, especially if it would cause overwhelming psychological distress. Some people have DC in the room initially with them leaving after the initial introduction.

[MuddlingThroughWithoutAClue]

@SearchingForSolitude thank you for your advice. DD is unlikely to want to stay and listen and she is also unlikely to contribute much (she often says she doesn't know when asked questions or looks to me to answer) so I think I will need to be firm about me answering on her behalf for the most part.

[QuickFetchTheCoffee]

Your DD sounds very like mine in communication style! Having her in the room at least for the first part is a good idea because then hopefully the assessor will see for themselves that you are needed.
My Dd is 17 so this situation is possibly in our not-too-distant future. Hope all goes well for you both.

[MuddlingThroughWithoutAClue]

@QuickFetchTheCoffee Thanks, I'm not looking forward to it - hoping for a nice assessor

[MuddlingThroughWithoutAClue]

Had the telephone assessment - lasted about 40 minutes. There was no issue with me speaking on DD's behalf, assessor who I think was a nurse just spoke to DD at the beginning to confirm her name and DOB and that she was happy for me to speak to provide all the information needed. Assessor was very pleasant and seemed kind. Will now await the outcome from DWP.

[QuickFetchTheCoffee]

Sounds positive! Thanks for updating us.

[MuddlingThroughWithoutAClue]

Outcome is LCWRA - had to phone as still haven't had decision letter (it appears to have gone missing in the post and had had to be re requested).