PIP Inappropriate question during telephone assessment.

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.

Comments

  • 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.
  • 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!
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