1.1.8 Once all evidence gathering has taken place, including an assessment with a HP where appropriate, the DWP case manager (CM) will review the claim and all evidence provided and make a decision regarding the award of benefit. The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP) commissioned NatCen Social Research to conduct two surveys to examine the claimant experience of telephone assessments and to gauge preferences for. 1.6.30 In general, HPs should record function over an average year for conditions that fluctuate over months, per week for conditions that fluctuate by the day, and by the day for conditions that vary over a day. Renata Is A Disabled Entrepreneur. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. At the end of your consultation, the Health Professional will complete an independent report and send it to the DWP. You can learn more about having an assessment at home by buying this book on this website. Ask if you can make an audio recording of the assessment. 1.8.12 The HPs advice and justification must provide a clear explanation as to why more reliance has been placed on some evidence than others. Will I need a Work Capability Assessment to claim benefits? This list is not definitive and the location should take into account the need to provide an appropriate venue to enable the claimant to attend the assessment. When your PIP award ends, you will need to revalidate you eligibility if your long-term condition is getting better or worse. Prepare adequately with our free PIP assessment tips guide. If you cant attend an assessment centre because you are housebound as a result of a mental health condition, you can request a home PIP assessment. . 1.12.6 Examples of health conditions that may affect mental capacity and may potentially mean the claimant could struggle to engage with the PIP journey include (but are not limited to): 1.13.1 CMs may make requests for supplementary advice at any stage in the decision-making process. 1.8.16 When a third party provides evidence for example, a carer or health professional the HP should evaluate the strength of the opinion being expressed. Special category data includes the following (Article 9 (1) UK GDPR): personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, personal data revealing political opinions, personal data revealing religious or philosophical beliefs, personal data revealing trade union membership, biometric data (where used for identification purposes), data concerning a persons sexual orientation. How do I pay for private treatment and therapy? GPs are encouraged to avoid prescribing strong painkillers for long-term pain as the harms usually outweigh the benefits and there could also be specific reasons why painkillers are not prescribed, for example intolerance, or the use of other methods of pain relief. Your medical assessment will be conducted by a private organisation - Independent Assessment Services (IAS - delivered by Atos) or Capita who have been contracted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). #7. 1.14.3 In some cases, however, a fixed term award of PIP may have been given where it was anticipated that there would be an improvement in the claimants functional ability (for example due to treatment), but where, following the PIP award ending, the claimants needs either continue, or increase. HPs should give consideration to the fact that in cases of complex conditions, knowledge and involvement of the GP may be limited, with specialist practitioners potentially better placed in some cases to provide useful evidence. 1.15.6 For consent to be explicit it must be affirmed in a clear statement. 1.6.64 A claimant may make a covert recording of the consultation without the HP being aware. 1.8.9 Exportability cases are identifiable by the fact that the claimants address will be outside the UK and there will be a PIP2 (exp) with the case. The HP should do this by using open-ended questions and not just by asking a series of closed questions. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. 1.15.31 It will be for the individual professional to determine whether they wish to release information about the claimant to the HP. You will be declared capable of doing something if you can do it: If you have better and worse days, make sure you explain this to the assessor. This kind of assessment is done by Atos or Capita based on your location in the country. 63 replies 18.3K views. 1.6.62 Video recording of consultations is not permitted. The claimant will not automatically receive the mobility component and entitlement for this component will need to be assessed. Where the HPs opinion differs from other opinions on file for example in further medical evidence or a previous HPs advice then a full explanation of the reasons for the difference of opinion should be given. You dont become too concerned about the word severe since anxiety and distress can appear different in severe expressions in affected people. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk. The appointment letter will invite you to a PIP medical assessment at one of their assessment centres. Attendance Allowance (AA) for people at State Pension age. It must be remembered that some of the information may not be readily understood by those who are not trained and experienced HPs. mobility intended to act as a contribution to the extra costs disabled people face in their day to day lives that relate to mobility. You are most welcome to join today! Lancashire. If you are considered to not have much disability in certain activities, you should try some of the following activities: The assistance you will get can be a person or a pet or you might be accompanied by a driver to your car or the service might change your home to make you accommodate easily in your condition. 1.15.17 Where a claimant has an appointee, this will be flagged in the initial referral to the AP. It should be recorded in the third person, and should make it clear that this is the claimant's story. 1.6.41 Some examinations for example, of the lower limbs might be carried out with the claimant reclining on an examination couch. 14K PIP, DLA, and AA; 3.4K Universal Credit (UC) 5.5K Talk about your impairment; 1.6K Cerebral palsy; 768 Chronic pain and pain management; 59 Physical and neurological impairments; 963 Autism and neurodiversity; 1K Mental health and wellbeing; 309 Sensory impairments; 753 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions 1.15.26 In standard claims it may be appropriate to obtain further evidence from an alternative source should proof of consent be an issue. They should not move the claimants limbs. 1.6.23 The HP should record the occupation and the nature of the job for example, activities on a daily/weekly basis, including any reasonable adjustments made by the employer. You can learn more about these PIP medical assessments with questions on mental health by buying this book on this website. any advice how it will begin , i am a mental health patient and suffer from osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia..i am shaking from fear and anxiety i cannot even write properly . The HP should use the free text box to clearly describe why they have selected the review point and the potential change to the claimants level of functional impairment that may lead to a review being necessary. The Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) temporarily suspended Personal Independence Payment (PIP) face-to-face assessments in March and a decision on whether to extend that measure is expected . The HP should inform the professional being contacted that this record is being produced and that this may be made available to the claimant and/or their representative. 1.6.59 At a face to face assessment, the claimant must sign a consent form in which they agree to not use the audio recording for unlawful purposes. No two people are affected in the same way but let us look at some of the possibilities. 1.15.28 The Welfare Reform Act 2012 (Section 82) creates special provision for a third party to make a claim on behalf of a disabled person without their knowledge. The assessor will investigate the information you gave on your PIP form but also make judgements based on what you say and do during your PIP assessment. What you should say during the PIP assessment. In these cases entitlement to PIP may again be triggered and the claimant may re-apply. 1.15.12 It is good practice to check that there is valid consent every time further evidence is sought. This is because the HP is not trying to make a diagnosis of their condition. A written record should be taken of any telephone discussion seeking further information, using the claimants own words as precisely as possible. Mr X has diabetes and depression with agoraphobia. Both the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council provide guidance on medical ethics and when it is acceptable to break medical confidentiality. Consent may need to be obtained at other points during the examination as the HP should explain throughout what they are about to examine. Qwom I dont want to put a dampener on things but unless your depression & anxiety majorly affect your daily living i doubt you will score enough points to meet the standard rate. The HP should note in the report that they have explained the procedure to the claimant and obtained their consent to proceed. Physical and psychological or mental examination: If obligated, and with your consent, these health professionals will administer a short physical and mental function examination. 1.2.4 The HP may also be asked to provide advice to the CM on a range of other aspects of a claim. 1.7.4 If the claimant meets the SREL provisions, they will automatically receive the enhanced rate of the daily living component. 1.6.66 HPs may need to adapt their approach when assessing young people. 1.8.10 It is essential that the CM is made aware of the evidence the HP has used to complete the assessment report. Here's my experience as a disabled woman, you can read about my condition in my chronic journey blog post. You will need to contact the assessment provider and request a home assessment. Thus, in every case and before each instance that information is obtained or released, checks should be made to ensure valid consent is held. DWP CMs undertaking award reviews will complete new learning and have on-site support from health professionals employed by DWP and will also be able to contact the claimant and/or carer for further information where necessary. The aim of this measure is to reduce the impact of repeat assessments on claimants and on APs where a decision can be made by a DWP CM. You should also. You can learn more about autism in affected people by buying this book here. A health professional will carry out your assessment - they'll write a report and send it to the DWP. 1.4.2 If a consultation has already been arranged and, following receipt of further evidence, the HP concludes that they can now advise DWP on the basis of paper evidence, the consultation should be cancelled. For urgent help, please see Help & contacts. The physical examination will make you engage in physical movements to show if you are capable of moving some limbs. In these cases, the CM is likely to arrange for a review before the end of the claim. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. This report presents the key findings from the surveys of claimants who took part in a telephone health assessment as part of their benefit claim for Personal Independence Payment ( PIP. Can I claim Welfare Benefits if Im living with a mental illness? 1.15.15 An officer acting on behalf of the Secretary of State will authorise an appointee to become fully responsible for acting on the claimants behalf in any dealings with DWP or its contracted APs. Notes on what you want to explain during your assessment. So we give the right advice for you, can you answer which Nation you're from? 1 comment 100% Upvoted Log in or sign up to leave a comment In a reasonable time: Does it take you a lot longer to do the activity than it would take most people? There is unlikely to be any change in functioning in the shorter term, but with time, maturity and learning his functional ability is likely to change so a review in 5 years would be appropriate.. 1.5.2 In some cases there may be sufficient information to advise on the majority of activities, but which leaves small gaps that it has not been possible to fill through obtaining further evidence or by contacting the claimant. As it is probable that the peripheral neuropathy was due to diabetes he did not have to fulfil the 3 month qualifying period for either component as it would be considered he was suffering from substantially the same condition. Evidence can include, but is not limited to: the PIP claimant questionnaire where the claimant describes their circumstances and the impact of their health condition or impairment, further evidence for example factual report from the GP, hospital report, other health and social care professionals involved in the claimants care, consultation the history, informal observations and clinical findings. 1.7.9 The DS1500 gives factual information about the claimants condition, any treatment received and any further treatment planned. The HP should invite the claimant to talk through all the activities they carry out on most days, from when they get up to when they go to bed. If you have a terminal illness the rules about how long youve found things difficult and been living in England, Wales or Scotland for 2 years isnt practised. . How do I manage my money if I have mental health problems? 1.15.14 In cases where claimants have a named third party as an appointee, this could be due to the claimant being unable to manage their own affairs as a result of a serious mental health condition or cognitive / learning disability. 1.10.8 Selecting the Yes box will indicate that the claimants functional restriction is likely to still be present at the recommended point of review, regardless of whether it is likely to improve, remain the same or deteriorate. Citizens advice. This is why you should always renew your PIP form to make sure that it corresponds well to how you are coping with your mental health condition. It must be the claimant who attends any consultation. PIP is not a compensation payment for ill health / disability; it is to help people with the increased costs of daily living in cases of long term ill health or disability. Can I cancel something I've done when I'm unwell? Care should be taken, as always, to avoid creating stress or anxiety for the claimant. 1.6.36 When considering mental health medication HPs should remember that not all claimants with a mental health condition will be on medication or receiving therapy. 1.10.1 The HP will be asked to provide advice on when it would be appropriate to review the claimants claim to PIP. The report and all other evidence available will be used by the CM who will contact the claimant in due course. 1.7.12 Consultations are not required where a claim has been referred under the SREL provisions. 1.10.6 The following are illustrative examples of review periods which may be appropriate: 12 month review The claimant has a combination of physical and mental health conditions causing significant functional limitation. Mind's Director of External Relations, Sophie Corlett says: Each descriptor has a score. The HP should not apply pressure to the professional to supply this information. How are gambling and mental health conditions linked? Contact a Welfare & Benefits Advisor if you need additional advice or support. (PIP) Assessment - Turn2us; Related Posts. This companion can be someone who can assist and care for you such as your friend or family member. 1.6.48 No opinion on entitlement to benefit should be given by the HP. To note: It is important that the HP ensures that valid verbal consent is obtained and recorded where appropriate. The PIP assessment questions on mental health will be asking about the degree of assistance you need in daily activities. You can request a copy of your report once the DWP writes to you with a decision. If the HP believes that the AS marker should be applied, this should be indicated in the advice given to DWP. If you plan to travel by car, you can claim back the cost of parking and a price per mile (e.g. 1.2.3 The report to the department should include: relevant history of the claimant, including information on the disabling health conditions or impairments, their functional effects and information on their current medication and treatment, advice on the appropriate assessment descriptors for the claimant, based on consideration of the evidence on file and, if appropriate, the evidence that the HP has collected during the consultation. Hi everyone, Thanks for letting me onto the forum and for all your help! If the HP decides that this is required, they should also determine any difficulties the claimant may have attending a consultation and any reasonable adjustments which need to be put in place (home visit, British Sign Language interpreter, ground floor consultation room, accessibility toilet). What benefits are available for mental health carers? What you have difficulty with, or cant do at all - for example, leaving the house, socialising, cooking. The DWP will send you a letter once they have made their decision. Before attending, you should read our guide on how to prepare for your PIP medical assessment. someone to monitor your mental health. 1.15.9 Depending on how it is worded, consent may only cover a particular stage in the processing of a claim, and thus fresh consent may need to be sought. For example, if the evidence of terminal illness comes from the claimants GP, the HP should telephone the GP to confirm whether the claimant is aware. Either before or after your assessment, you should ask the receptionist at the assessment centre for a travel expenses claim form and pre-paid self-addressed envelope. 1.6.3 This section contains guidance for HPs on how to carry out consultations, including giving a standard structure to consultations. Cost-of-living crisis and your mental health. This may result in, a request to consider the evidence or acquire further evidence. In exceptional circumstances a written request for further evidence can be issued. For example, certain types of multiple sclerosis have periods of remission and deterioration, while a person with cancer may respond well to treatment and then relapse. 1.13.9 Where the assessment was completed using the PIPAT, it will be necessary to create the appropriate supplementary advice on the PIPAT and once submitted a PA5/PA6 will be output to the DWP. 1.4.12 Should harmful information other than the claimants condition be present either contained in supporting evidence or identified at a face-to-face consultation this should be recorded separately on the harmful information note (PA7) or within the harmful information screens in the PIPAT or PIPAT mobile and clearly marked as harmful. He was awarded the daily living and mobility components, both at the standard rate. Where there is clear and current evidence of a claimants functional examination findings in a particular area, HPs do not need to conduct an examination of that area. Physical and mental examination: If required, and with your consent, they will conduct a brief physical and mental function examination. Some problems have improved, some have got worse. The HP cannot document any observations made outwith the consultation. The illness that qualifies for PIP is the illness that is considered to be a long-term condition and this kind of condition should need regular support for needs and some may be limited in mobility. These occasions are expected to be rare. 1.15.19 The appointee should be considered in line with guidance about companions being present at consultations. 1.13.2 Reasons for supplementary advice might be (but are not limited to): further evidence having been received from the claimant after the assessment report has been returned to the department, help interpreting and explaining medical terminology the claimant has provided in claim packs or that health professionals have included in medical reports. At a telephone assessment, consent should be captured verbally on the recording. HPs should allow a companion to contribute and should record any evidence they provide. The HP should indicate where any harmful information is contained in an assessment report, for example: the claimant is not aware of their condition and the PA X contains harmful information in supporting evidence or Part X of the GP factual report dated XXXX contains harmful information. For many of us, it can mean that we need extra support to get to work, see friends and family, and carry on living our lives. How are mental health and money worries linked? If the presence of a companion becomes disruptive to the consultation, the HP may ask them to leave. How do I manage my money if I have mental health problems? 1.6.49 Claimants who request a copy of their report should be advised that HPs are not authorised to give them a copy at the time of the consultation and that the claimant can request a copy of their report from the DWP. You can search for your State Pension age on the GOV.UK website.You must also have the following requirements: There are exceptions to the eligibility rules when you have a terminal sickness or have been serving the armed forces. What benefits are available for mental health carers? However, from May 2021, face-to-face assessments have been gradually reintroduced. Make any notes of changes to your condition, Make notes of anything you feel you want to say, which you havent put on your form. 1.4.16 HPs should identify who they are and the purpose of the call. That said, the HP should make every effort to obtain evidence in order to conduct a paper-based review in these circumstances. HPs should consider whether there is evidence that such an adaptation or adjustment has taken place. 1.7.11 All SREL claims will be clearly flagged. Will I need a Work Capability Assessment to claim benefits? Social and leisure activities undertaken by the claimant, as well as any they have given up or modified due to their health condition or impairment, could also be mentioned here. They should not simply request evidence from all professionals identified as standard. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. 1.5.3 Apart from examination and informal observations that can only be obtained at a consultation, the HP must complete the paper-based review in line with the advice given in this guidance. The PIP medical assessment is computer led and is an opportunity for you to explain how your condition affects you daily so the assessment provider can write an accurate report for the DWP. 1.15.27 In cases treated under the SREL process, a telephone call to a different health professional should be considered. This section of the consultation must also explore the impact completing an activity may have on functional restriction immediately following and for the rest of the day. 1.6.32 The HP should be making informal observations and evaluating any functional limitations described by the claimant from the start of the consultation. The HP must acknowledge that they have considered all the available evidence when formulating their advice. 1.13.5 Where consideration of supplementary advice results in the HP changing their previous advice to the DWP, this should be clearly flagged. You can learn more about autism in affected people by buying this book here. Your assessment provider will be Independent Assessment Services or Capita - you should get a letter telling you which one it will be. pip telephone call. This new document has been designed to focus on the information to be checked at the award review stage and to determine whether there have been any relevant changes in the claimants condition(s) or needs across all descriptors since their current PIP award began. Mental Health & Money Advice. Informal observations are of importance to the consultation, as they can reveal abilities and limitations not mentioned in the claimant questionnaire, supporting evidence or during the history taking for the consultation. Valid reason: they will rearrange your PIP medical assessment, Non-valid reason: they will refuse your claim. 1.15.23 The position that proof of consent is not required is supported by the General Medical Council (GMC), which advises that: you may accept an assurance from an officer of a government department or agency, or a registered health professional acting on their behalf, that the patient or a person properly authorised to act on their behalf has consented. They are there to ask you questions and are not there to ensure you get PIP.