We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
PIP Inappropriate question during telephone assessment.

carlos1973
Posts: 271 Forumite


I had a telephone assessment today and one question in particular struck me as odd and inappropriate.
I was asked "Do you want your children?" I replied pardon and was asked again "Do you actually want your kids?"
This was during a period of questions about mobility and how I struggle to walk them to school and also how my anxiety and mental health further compounds this.
I had already explained that I had been in an coercive and controlling relationship, in which my ex also abused the children, and that after a suicide attempt caused by false allegations of abuse I had fought to clear my name, get my kids out of care and settled safely with myself.
I told them that I had fought for 4 1/2 years to get where I am now but that physical problems and mental health issues still means I struggle and that I thought the question was ridiculous, of course I want them!
What I can't understand is the relevance of such a question and I also don't know if I can raise any concerns with DWP.
I was asked "Do you want your children?" I replied pardon and was asked again "Do you actually want your kids?"
This was during a period of questions about mobility and how I struggle to walk them to school and also how my anxiety and mental health further compounds this.
I had already explained that I had been in an coercive and controlling relationship, in which my ex also abused the children, and that after a suicide attempt caused by false allegations of abuse I had fought to clear my name, get my kids out of care and settled safely with myself.
I told them that I had fought for 4 1/2 years to get where I am now but that physical problems and mental health issues still means I struggle and that I thought the question was ridiculous, of course I want them!
What I can't understand is the relevance of such a question and I also don't know if I can raise any concerns with DWP.
0
Comments
-
carlos1973 said:I had a telephone assessment today and one question in particular struck me as odd and inappropriate.
I was asked "Do you want your children?" I replied pardon and was asked again "Do you actually want your kids?"
This was during a period of questions about mobility and how I struggle to walk them to school and also how my anxiety and mental health further compounds this.
I had already explained that I had been in an coercive and controlling relationship, in which my ex also abused the children, and that after a suicide attempt caused by false allegations of abuse I had fought to clear my name, get my kids out of care and settled safely with myself.
I told them that I had fought for 4 1/2 years to get where I am now but that physical problems and mental health issues still means I struggle and that I thought the question was ridiculous, of course I want them!
What I can't understand is the relevance of such a question and I also don't know if I can raise any concerns with DWP.What's the concern? You answered honestly.Hopefully if they ask that question and someone says 'No' - the right precautions can be put in place for the safeguarding of the children.0 -
If someone was applying for PIP because they were blind or had lost a leg would they be asked Did you want your leg? Do you want to see?
I don't think Safeguarding is an issue as when claiming UC I was never asked for you want them!1 -
powerful_Rogue said:carlos1973 said:I had a telephone assessment today and one question in particular struck me as odd and inappropriate.
I was asked "Do you want your children?" I replied pardon and was asked again "Do you actually want your kids?"
This was during a period of questions about mobility and how I struggle to walk them to school and also how my anxiety and mental health further compounds this.
I had already explained that I had been in an coercive and controlling relationship, in which my ex also abused the children, and that after a suicide attempt caused by false allegations of abuse I had fought to clear my name, get my kids out of care and settled safely with myself.
I told them that I had fought for 4 1/2 years to get where I am now but that physical problems and mental health issues still means I struggle and that I thought the question was ridiculous, of course I want them!
What I can't understand is the relevance of such a question and I also don't know if I can raise any concerns with DWP.What's the concern?
Secondly (partially depending on the tone of the question) it could be viewed as discriminatory and dismissive of someone with disabilities.
OP - if you want to make a complaint
https://www.mypipassessment.co.uk/feedback/
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Challenging-a-Personal-Independence-Payment-decisi/Complain-about-a-PIP-decision#:~:text=The best way to start,reference number for your complaint.
Alice Holt Forest situated some 4 miles south of Farnham forms the most northerly gateway to the South Downs National Park.9
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.7K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.1K Spending & Discounts
- 243K Work, Benefits & Business
- 619.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.4K Life & Family
- 255.9K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards