Capita home visit for PIP?

lea_lea

Hey all,

Has anyone here had a home visit from Capita regarding a claim for PIP?

Could you tell me what to expect? Do they want to look around the house or see a claimant making a cup of tea in the kitchen or something similar? Or does everything take place in the one room?

The person I care for has received a letter today with a bunch of info about how the process works, but it really doesn't say anything specific. It says "....to find out how your condition affects your daily living and getting around." how exactly do they do this? Is it just question based or do they actually want to see the person getting about around their own house/outside etc.

Any help would be hugely appreciated, thanks all!

poppy12345

lea_lea wrote: »

Hey all,

Has anyone here had a home visit from Capita regarding a claim for PIP?

Could you tell me what to expect? Do they want to look around the house or see a claimant making a cup of tea in the kitchen or something similar? Or does everything take place in the one room?

The person I care for has received a letter today with a bunch of info about how the process works, but it really doesn't say anything specific. It says "....to find out how your condition affects your daily living and getting around." how exactly do they do this? Is it just question based or do they actually want to see the person getting about around their own house/outside etc.

Any help would be hugely appreciated, thanks all!

It will be questions mostly based on what they wrote on the PIP2 form. When answering the questions don't just answer with a yes or no give as much detail as possible. If they have mobility problems they'll be asked to do some excercises, for EG lift arms, put arms behind back, lift legs etc. If they can't do any of what's asked then tell them they can't and explain why. They will be watching them from the minute they arrive to the minute they leave. They will also be asked for some I.D when they arrive so have that ready if possible. If they have more evidence to give then give it during this assessment, copies only of course and write N.I number on the top of each piece they give. I'm sure someone else will come along and add to what i've already said.

Prinzessilein

They will be going through the PiP form you completed and looking for any anomalies between what you stated you could do and what they observe you doing.

They will certainly be taking in EVERYTHING...the HCP who assessed me spotted my walking stick and my grabber....and also make 'assumptions' based on what they observe. (...I have a shelf of books...therefore I can read...therefore I DO read...therefore I read every day...therefore my concentration is fine)

As they go through their form (they fill it in on a laptop as they talk to you)...you can (and should!) make sure that you repeat/reinforce all the points on which you feel you fulfil criteria for the various assessment questions...give examples where possible.

There will probably be a mini mental-health exam to assess your mental state (spelling, simple addition/subtraction)...and some physical tests...standing up, bending, touching the HCP's fingers....be totally honest. ...The HCP actually stopped the physical test with me as it was clear I wasn't able to do some of the tasks.

Remember you are allowed to have someone with you...I would recommend this. My Mum sat with me and was able to give extra examples of why certain things were difficult impossible for me.

The assessment was not pleasant. I found it exhausting and somewhat humiliating ( the assessor was less than sympathetic towards my mental health...and treated me like a child)....however, the award I received was what I had been hoping for (mental health issues were MUCH less accurately reported...indeed ignored in some places ...but the points were still enough to give the correct award)

Don't forget you can phone for a copy of the assessors award pretty much the day after the assessment...this will give you a good idea of how things went.

Best of luck...it is not easy, but you WILL get there!

Alice_Holt

Info here:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-pip-claim/your-assessment/