PIP descriptors and conditional issues

Henry8

Hi, does anyone know if the PIP descriptors can be partially scored if a health issue is not present all the time?

For example, if someone is able to manage some communication in silence but unable to communicate at all if noise is present, then would they be able to get something like an 8 (Needs communication support to be able to express or understand basic verbal information.) but reduced down to something like 4 to reflect them being able to communicate in some conditions? Or would them being able to communicate in silent situations just mean they get 0?

The reason for the issue would be down to both anxiety and sensory problems.

kingfisherblue

My understanding is that the condition affects the person at least four days out of seven. I can't rtemember where I read that though. The best thing to do is write in detail how the person is affected, and when. You may then be asked for more clarification at the face to face assessment if they need more details. The Decision Maker decides the points based on the evidence provided, plus the F2F report.

Henry8

Thanks for the reply, The person is a recluse so it's a little hard to rate the effect based on days. They find it difficult to cope with simple things like shopping.

Alice_Holt

PIP descriptors cannot be partially scored
Points should be awarded if the claimant can't reliably perform the descriptor on the majority of days.
For reliably look at page 73 on this:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/725533/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-assessment-criteria.pdf

Page 100 will give you more info on the communication support descriptors.

Social engagement is likely to be relevant.

This is a useful site:
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip

[Deleted User]

Henry8 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply, The person is a recluse so it's a little hard to rate the effect based on days. They find it difficult to cope with simple things like shopping.

A recluse? Is that because of a medical condition?