PIP

Muttleythefrog

superM said:

The PIP assessment was done on Tuesday.  How long does it take for assessment report to be sent to DWP. 

I had no further messages from Capital or DWP. 

Thanks 

Usually very quickly... like same day quickly unless it gets held up by auditing. So I advise call on Monday, PIP DWP number, and ask for a copy.  Prepare for perhaps a half hour wait waiting for an agent.

Not sure how efficient the DWP are at sending their 'we have received your assessment report and have the info we need' text... but perhaps a little surprised you haven't received something like that yet... always possible audit of report... but I'd call and see.

peteuk

It depends - if your assessor has passed probation then it will be written and sent the same day (NB they do spot check audits so it may be audited which will slow the process) 

If your assessor has not passed probation then it will be audited, this can take a few days.  If it passes audit it will be sent onto DWP, if it doesnt it will be sent back to the assessor and will require either re-writting or in some cases further questions asked, 

Given that your assessment was Tuesday, I would suspect that it has already been passed to DWP.  If you have spare time call the PIP telephone number and ask for a copy of your report.  This will give you an idea of the likely outcome of the DM. 

I dont advise this, but I know others on the board do.  I usually advise waiting for the DM to rule on the assessment and then should you disagree obtain the report. But it is horses for courses really. 

Muttleythefrog

peteuk said:

It depends - if your assessor has passed probation then it will be written and sent the same day (NB they do spot check audits so it may be audited which will slow the process) 

If your assessor has not passed probation then it will be audited, this can take a few days.  If it passes audit it will be sent onto DWP, if it doesnt it will be sent back to the assessor and will require either re-writting or in some cases further questions asked, 

Given that your assessment was Tuesday, I would suspect that it has already been passed to DWP.  If you have spare time call the PIP telephone number and ask for a copy of your report.  This will give you an idea of the likely outcome of the DM. 

I dont advise this, but I know others on the board do.  I usually advise waiting for the DM to rule on the assessment and then should you disagree obtain the report. But it is horses for courses really. 

Others advise it because there can be a whole host of advantages to doing this and only one obvious disadvantage that I can think of.

1. It gives a good idea of what decision is likely to come
2. It gives more time to prepare a reconsideration and seek further evidence or help if the report suggests an undesirable decision is likely to come - your advice simply removes time from claimant in such scenario and as consequence could reduce effectiveness of challenging decision
3. It is evidence for other potential claims like for a WCA of ESA/U-C (many including myself have successfully used interchangeably reports from WCAs and PIP)
4. It can reduce or eliminate stress and anxiety in those expecting a bad decision or worried about how assessment went - your advice prolongs the suffering of many claimants and examples exist commonly on these boards who have acquired the report and been somewhat reassured by it.
5. It's a reference point and evidence for next review - a valuable start to retaining or improving an award in future and understanding how you qualified for PIP. The idea that the report is only of value if you need to challenge the decision I think is an error. How often do we find claimants in a pickle, such as with an unexpected decision, who seem clueless about how they've been getting a disability or sickness benefit because they've taken a casual approach to evidence.
6. It'll probably have more clarity of detail explaining the decision than the decision itself which likely replicates the advice
7. If there is disparity between report and decision (including a favourable one) it may open up opportunity for challenge of decision with high chance of success. (For example we've seen cases where there were errors in the report replicated in decision that made no sense e.g. descriptor and justification did not match).

Disadvantage - 
It could cause unnecessary stress/anxiety or negative mental health responses if the report is not desirable or inaccurate and in particular if a decision maker decides to later ignore the advice and give a favourable decision - we know this is uncommon. I'm aware that inaccuracies in reports even favourable ones can cause distress however given they are likely to be replicated in some form in the decision weeks later they're liable to be distressed anyway and may seek the report retrospectively.

Lists are not exhaustive... always happy to consider additions. But I see it as a no brainer unless the person who could see the report needs to be protected from what may be in it. In this case that may not even be an issue as appointee seems to be acting.

superM

I couldn't get in touch with DWP. I rang Capital and they said report was sent over on 29th (last Weds). I have not received any text messages. Is that normal. Just feeling abit anxious. 

Thanks 

Muttleythefrog

superM said:

I couldn't get in touch with DWP. I rang Capital and they said report was sent over on 29th (last Weds). I have not received any text messages. Is that normal. Just feeling abit anxious. 

Thanks 

Then the DWP should have it... but only they will send a copy... it does sadly take a while to speak to an agent. Not sure about text... but if you do call the DWP and they claim the report has not been received then you can say Capita sent it on 29th.

hotchocolate1982

superM said:

The PIP assessment was done on Tuesday.  How long does it take for assessment report to be sent to DWP. 

I had no further messages from Capital or DWP. 

Thanks 

I had my daughters assessment on the 16th of January 2025 and said a decision could take 8-12 weeks. They called on the 28th of January to notify us of the outcome. Back payment received on 3rd of Feb. We're just awaiting the pip award letter and breakdown.

born_again

born_again said:

Just had Mrs today. 1 1/2 hour on the phone. Very through check everything.

I would check that will just talk to you, rather than assume that they will just talk to you.

So still nothing at DWP end. So rang Health Assessment Advisory Service on the status, as DWP had not received the report.
Seems it has been pulled for a check on quality of the report.
Nice person on phone advised. As I said that 3 weeks is not acceptable timescale for this.
That they do not have any timescale to work these... 🤬& that if they sent a poor quality one it would be delayed even longer...
To say I'm not happy is a understatement.

Found a complaint form, which is going in, but you have to send via post...
https://haas-serco.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PIP-Feedback-Leaflet.pdf

poppy12345

Yup there’s no timescales how long the report can remain in the audit. I’ve personally had one remain there for 6 weeks. 

born_again

poppy12345 said:

Yup there’s no timescales how long the report can remain in the audit. I’ve personally had one remain there for 6 weeks. 

Should be a max of a week.
Clearly when contracts are drawn up for these agreements. It should be included a max time from assessment to when DWP receive the assessment's.
PIP is stressful enough without delays that can easily be avoided.