PIP Assessment help

Cupoftea333

My daughter has her first PIP Assessment scheduled for the end of this week, we informed the provider at the time of booking that we will record. The provider has called to say the Assessor is unwilling to record but my daughter can be offered an appointment with a willing assessor in 5 weeks time, or go but not record.

My reason for recording was so a transcript could be used for MR or appeal. But also because I struggle with fast writing (injury) and don't want to forget what questions were asked. Also due to my daughter's disability I may need to help her rather than take notes.

I am thinking of going ahead with this weeks appointment but asking my mother to come along and take the notes, do you think some detailed notes would be just as effective as a transcript at MR/ Appeal stage? Going on previous experience I am expecting the need to appeal.

I am reluctant to wait the 5 weeks as they have already cancelled appointments before and it is dragging on.

Why do you think an assessor would be unwilling to record? My daughter can still have her appointment with this assessor as long as we don't record.

poppy12345

Some HCPs won't agree to a recording taking place. This will be for the same reasons sometimes we won't agree to be recorded. If the HCP doesn't agree and you still wish to record then you have no option but to wait for another appointment.


There's no harm in taking notes during an assessment, however, if she is refused then DWP and a Tribunal won't be interested in any lies that could be told in the report. All they'll be interested in is which descriptors apply to her and the reasons why.



During the assessment unless you're her appointee then she will need to answer the questions herself. You maybe able to prompt her if the HCP agrees but some won't. If you are her appointee then you'll be able to answer all the questions on her behalf.



Whether or not you go ahead with the assessment or wait is your choice. Good luck.

50Twuncle

Cupoftea333 wrote: »

My daughter has her first PIP Assessment scheduled for the end of this week, we informed the provider at the time of booking that we will record. The provider has called to say the Assessor is unwilling to record but my daughter can be offered an appointment with a willing assessor in 5 weeks time, or go but not record.

My reason for recording was so a transcript could be used for MR or appeal. But also because I struggle with fast writing (injury) and don't want to forget what questions were asked. Also due to my daughter's disability I may need to help her rather than take notes.

I am thinking of going ahead with this weeks appointment but asking my mother to come along and take the notes, do you think some detailed notes would be just as effective as a transcript at MR/ Appeal stage? Going on previous experience I am expecting the need to appeal.

I am reluctant to wait the 5 weeks as they have already cancelled appointments before and it is dragging on.

Why do you think an assessor would be unwilling to record? My daughter can still have her appointment with this assessor as long as we don't record.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/186849/consortium-report-dwp-response.pdf says that "Audio recording should be available for all assessments and the DWP should evaluate what impact it has on the quality and accuracy of assessments"


https://dwpexamination.org/forum/pip-how-to-guides-sample-letters/the-right-to-record-pip/
says "
Should you wish, you may use your own equipment to record the face-to-face consultation. This must be undertaken in line with the following DWP rules:

• You need to notify us before your appointment that you will like to record your assessment by calling our Enquiry Centre on 0808 1788 114.
• You will need to provide your own audio-recording equipment. Your recording equipment must be able to produce two identical copies of the recording at the end of the assessment, either on audio cassette or CD. Mobile phones and laptops are not suitable mediums for recording assessments.
• You will need to give one copy of the recording to the assessor, at the end of the appointment.
• You will need to sign an agreement that sets out what you are and are not allowed to do with the recording.
• We will retain a copy of the recording for a maximum of 14 months, at which point it will be destroyed. We do not pass on the recordings to the DWP and they are not used in determining your entitlement or award.
• Should you attempt to record the assessment without having contact us first and agreeing to the above guidelines, then your assessment is likely to be stopped and we may return your case to the DWP."

Time to bring in your MP ?

poppy12345

I'm not sure why a local MP is needed here. Not all HCPs will agree to be recorded.

Cupoftea333

I really appreciate your responses, thank you.

Do you think it suggests the Assessor is intending to lie? Or not an expert in the field?

The thing is I also want to record as my memory is not the best! I asked if I could use a dictaphone but refused.

Poppy, it gives me hope that you say the Tribunal will only be interested in which descriptiors apply. Would hospital evidence over ride the medical report? But I want to avoid it getting to appeal stage in the first place. I just want an honest report. For PIP appeal does the appointee and claimant have to attend the hearing? I never did with her DLA claims that were successfully won at tribunal, never submitted any new evidence, the DM's just failed to apply the guidance.

I'm really struggling with the stress and just want to get it over with.
I saw the doctor last week and my heart rate was 155 bmp, it calmed down a bit by the time I left but I know it's partly stress (and I was in pain).
In 5 weeks time I am due to be changing my meds and expecting a large flare so I will struggle to attend with my daughter then. (Not that I claim anything for own condition because I tried years ago and had an awful experience). I feel like I have no choice but to attend the appointment this week.

If my daughter is entitled to PIP but it isn't awarded, then I will lose carers, even though she will need the same care, and Tax credits (only get dis element) All in alll will lose £600 per month. Something I accept if she doesn't meet the criteria but I feel the odds are stacked if the report will not be accurate.
I don't feel I can prepare for a tribunal along with my care role, support my daughter through her exams, and manage my illness on top. I think it will push me over the edge. (Anyone who suffers chronic pain should understand)

All I want is an accurate report!

poppy12345

Cupoftea333 wrote: »

Do you think it suggests the Assessor is intending to lie? Or not an expert in the field?

The thing is I also want to record as my memory is not the best! I asked if I could use a dictaphone but refused.

I'm really struggling with the stress and just want to get it over with.
I saw the doctor last week and my heart rate was 155 bmp, it calmed down a bit by the time I left but I know it's partly stress (and I was in pain).
In 5 weeks time I am due to be changing my meds and expecting a large flare so I will struggle to attend with my daughter then. (Not that I claim anything for own condition because I tried years ago and had an awful experience). I feel like I have no choice but to attend the appointment this week.

If my daughter is entitled to PIP but it isn't awarded, then I will lose carers, even though she will need the same care, and Tax credits (only get dis element) All in alll will lose £600 per month. Something I accept if she doesn't meet but I feel the odds are stacked if the report will not be accurate.
I don't feel I can prepare for a tribunal along with my care role, support my daughter through her exams, and manage my illness on top. I think it will push me over the edge. (Anyone who suffers chronic pain should understand)

All I want is an accurate report!

I totally understand chronic pain because i suffer with it myself every single day. I also care for my daughter who has autism and a learning disability and can't be left alone.



When recording an assessment you must use the appropriate recording devices as stated in 50Twuncle's post above. No other recording devices are allowed. Permission must also be needed.



The assessor not wanting to be recorded has nothing to do with them wanting to lie, that's ridiculous. Remember, you'll only ever hear the bad stories on an internet forum. If someone has a decision they're happy with they have no questions to ask, therefore we don't hear their stories.



I've had multiple face to face assessments and my daughter has also had one and neither of us has had any bed reports.



As this is her first PIP assessment then i'm assuming she's transferring from DLA? Have you read the PIP descriptors enough to understand what they're all about? It really does help to have some understanding of what they mean.


Are you her appointee? Did you send evidence to support her claim with the form? They very rarely contact anyone for any evidence. The onus is on you to make sure it's sent.



It's your choice whether or not you keep this appointment or cancel it and make another. Remember that you can only cancel one appointment.



https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

poppy12345

Just reading through your comments again. Were you told you can't record the assessment because you told them you were planning on using a dictaphone? if so, then this is most likely the reason why you were refused. The correct recording equipment must be used and 1 copy must be handed into the HCP at the end of the assessment.

Cupoftea333

poppy12345 wrote: »

Just reading through your comments again. Were you told you can't record the assessment because you told them you were planning on using a dictaphone? if so, then this is most likely the reason why you were refused. The correct recording equipment must be used and 1 copy must be handed into the HCP at the end of the assessment.

Hi Poppy, no I went through the proper procedure for the recording, informing a week before, two copies by cassette etc. When they told me the Assessor wouldn't consent I then explained about being unable to keep up physically writing notes so could I use a dictaphone as I might struggle with writing quickly (it hurts) and told no.

Cupoftea333

Sorry, added this to my post:

Poppy, it gives me hope that you say the Tribunal will only be interested in which descriptiors apply. Would hospital evidence over ride the medical report? But I want to avoid it getting to appeal stage in the first place. I just want an honest report.
For PIP appeal does the appointee and claimant have to attend the hearing? I never did with her DLA claims that were successfully won at tribunal, never submitted any new evidence, the DM's just failed to apply the guidance.

Cupoftea333

[BRemember, you'll only ever hear the bad stories on an internet forum. If someone has a decision they're happy with they have no questions to ask, therefore we don't hear their stories.
][/B]

I'm going on past experience at my own unsuccessful assessment years ago and that I've had to appeal for DLA despite not submitting more evidence just the DM's unable to follow the guidelines.

As this is her first PIP assessment then i'm assuming she's transferring from DLA? Have you read the PIP descriptors enough to understand what they're all about? It really does help to have some understanding of what they mean.

Yes she should qualify but there are some grey areas like the cooking. I encourage her to help me with chopping veg etc, but she struggles to cook a meal with fresh ingredients reliably as she gets extremely tired from doing the things she has to such as homework that use all her concentration. She says she feels too tired to cook a meal with fresh ingredients after this. I got her to cook a meal and it took a long time and she couldn't tell if chicken was cooked.

Are you her appointee? Did you send evidence to support her claim with the form? They very rarely contact anyone for any evidence. The onus is on you to make sure it's sent.


Yes I sent in lots of evidence.

poppy12345

I would concentrate on the assessment for now and worry about what happens next, if she's refused. One step at a time is always the best, otherwise your stress levels will go through the roof, if they aren't already.


As you've sent in evidence then all you can do is go to the assessment, answer those questions on behalf of her as best you can. They will watch her from the minute you arrive to the minute you leave so be aware of that.


When you filled out the form if you put down everything about her conditions and how she's affected then this will have helped. Try to answer those questions at the assessment with as much information as possible. Remember they're trying to build a picture of your daughter and how she's affected by her conditions. Avoid answering with just a yes or no.



Once the DWP have the assessment report back you'll be able to ring them to request a copy to be sent to you, if you live in the UK. This will give you some idea what the decision is likely to be as they mostly go with the report.



I claimed PIP for my daughter last year. I'm her appointee too. She had a face to face assessment at home, which was very daunting (but all assessments are) The HCP she had was a man but he was very nice. In fact he even rang me before he arrived to tell me he would be 10 minutes, so i could prepare my daughter. She doesn't cope well with people she doesn't know. I answered the questions the best i could.



During the assessment the HCP may ask your daughter a couple of questions which she'll need to answer herself, if she claims for mental health or a learning disability (add 2 numbers together or remember a sequence of words or numbers. Or if she claims for a physical condition then she maybe asked to do some physical activity (lift legs,arms, put arms behind back etc)



My daughters claim was successful and she was awarded Enhanced for both parts.



Which ever way you look at it, it is daunting but you'll get through it and fear of the unknown is always the worst. Personally, i didn't find any of my assessments too bad, once it was all over.



Once her assessment is over then maybe you should look into claiming it for yourself. There's advice centres out there that will help you with the process.



Good luck and i hope your daughter's claim is successful.