DWP unveils PIP assessment option that could be ‘useful’ for this group

Help supports people living with a long-term health condition

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided an update on the support available to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants who need an assessment. Assistance provides payments to people living with a long-term health condition or disability, in amounts that vary depending on your level of need.

Applicants usually undergo an assessment to determine how their condition affects them and the level of support required. The government recently detailed the support available to people with brain injuries or neurological conditions following questions in Parliament about the fairness and adequacy of PIP assessments for these groups.

Minister for Work and Pensions, Sir Stephen Timms, responded by saying: “Health assessments are designed to treat all individuals with health problems and impairments fairly. The assessment criteria consider the impact of any impairment on the individual’s ability to carry out a wide range of daily activities.” .” He added that a paper assessment will always be considered first before resorting to telephone or in-person assessments.

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Healthcare professionals working on behalf of DWP may contact GPs or other medical professionals if further information is required for this paper-based review. If an option is not viable on paper, claimants may be allocated to a “specific assessment channel” depending on their situation and circumstances.

In the case of assessments that must be conducted face-to-face or by phone, applicants have the option of bringing with them a companion who can “play an active role” in providing the necessary details. Mr Timms explained how this could be particularly helpful to those with mental disorders: “This is useful for claimants with mental, cognitive or intellectual impairments who are unable to provide an accurate account of their condition due to a lack of understanding or unrealistic expectations of their abilities.

“Comrades can participate in the telephone evaluation as well as in the face-to-face evaluation.” All DWP assessment providers can make four-way calls for assessments if required.

Mr Timms further explained: “This means the claimant and HP can meet with a companion or lawyer, as well as an interpreter if required. This gives claimants the opportunity to receive appropriate support during a remote assessment.”

How much is PIP?

PIP payments include a mobility element and a daily living element, with a lower and higher payment rate for each part depending on your level of need.

These are the current payout rates:

Mobility

• Lower – £28.70
• Higher – £75.75.

daily life

• Bottom – £72.65
• Higher – £108.55.