Thoughts on attending a PIP assessment alone

[Deleted User]

Just curious because on a group I am a member of on Facebook someone was advising another person that they must take someone with them, even though their claim have no mention of difficulties with mobility it was for other issues that affected them daily.

My thoughts were, what do you all think? Is someone going to get penalised because they haven't took someone with them? As long as they are not contradicting what they have wrote or say to the assessor I cant see why someone cant go it alone.

calcotti

I would expect most people attend an assessment alone although I am not aware of any statistics on this. Having someone with you may be helpful if you are struggling to remember what happened afterwards but they will not be able to speak on your behalf. I think it’s a matter of personal choice. Will be interested to see what others think.

Alice_Holt

If the claimant has difficulties with social engagement, then having someone with them will often be helpful.

If the claim goes on to appeal, it can be useful (as a witness to the assessment).

Of course, the claimant would need to feel able to disclose all health matters in front of that person.



Note that Independent Assessment Services and Capita assessors are advised by the DWP that:
‘Claimants should be encouraged to bring another person with them to consultations where they would find this helpful – for example, to reassure them or to help them during the consultation.’

They are also told that;
‘the companions may play an active role in helping claimants answer questions where the claimant or HP wishes them to do so. This may be particularly important where the claimant has a mental, cognitive or intellectual impairment.’

However, the DWP also say that the involvement of a companion should be at the health professional’s discretion and that, if the companion becomes disruptive, then they can be asked to leave.

jtp

did any one get a payment after putting in a claim like 28 days later the standard

poppy12345

jtp wrote: »

did any one get a payment after putting in a claim like 28 days later the standard

I highly doubt that anyone going through the normal PIP applying process will receive a decision as soon as that after claiming.


Usually a face to face assessment is needed before a decision's made. Waiting times from ringing to start a claim can be anything from 3-7 months, possibly longer.

Spoonie_Turtle

jtp wrote: »

did any one get a payment after putting in a claim like 28 days later the standard

Are you maybe thinking of the old income-based ESA? From what I understand they used to pay an 'assessment rate' for up to 13 weeks while waiting for the actual work capability assessment (face-to-face). For PIP there is no such thing, I suppose because it's not means-tested.

calcotti

Spoonie_Turtle wrote: »

Are you maybe thinking of the old income-based ESA? From what I understand they used to pay an 'assessment rate' for up to 13 weeks while waiting for the actual work capability assessment (face-to-face).

That is still true for ‘new style’ ESA (equivalent to the old contribution based ESA).

Spoonie_Turtle

calcotti wrote: »

That is still true for ‘new style’ ESA (equivalent to the old contribution based ESA).

Ah, didn't know that. Thanks

Demerara

I went on my own but had specialist communication input during the appointment.

Illbedamned

i went alone as bf couldn't get time off work and best friend was on holiday, it didnt go against me, was still awarded it, possibly because they saw what state i was in alone