[joss]

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/pip-test

http://www.pip-assessment.support/#main-menu

Joss
Current car: BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In metallic Portimão Blue. 04:10:2025
Previous car:Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.

[martino]

im looking for a mock pip assessment cant remember where it is so i can try it for someone

any help

[martino]

thing is with people losing their cars because they loss the enhanced mobility PIP or don’t get it what do they do, a car the a motability customer is not a luxury but a life line and we can loss our cars so easily even although we rely so much on them, and all because of someones opinion on our assessment , and the impact on our life is terrible , and its all out of our control i think it puts  lot of stress on all of use , how do we manage and who cares

[Saintsman]

I had a pip assessment over the phone, I had already filled in the form for that and sent off supporting documentation.

It went well ??

[matt]

hi I know its not pip but I got a call today from the heath assessment service he said they had been contacted by the dwp to do a medical but they would have to do it over the phone I have not been sent a form to fill in like usual has anyone els had this? thanks

[PillBoy]

My phone assessment was supposed to be about 40 minutes long, but ended up lasting 2 hours.  I was very lucky that I had a nice ex nurse who understood a lot of what I was telling her.  I received my notification letter last week renewing my PIP for 3 years.

 

So relieved.

[martino]

this is from an email i get from Benefit and Works

i know its long but does make interesting reading , one of the things the talk about is telephone assessments ,

That’s the positive information as well as the lawbreaking, confidentiality-breaching and bullying.

We have the good news that PIP claimants with short, fixed-term awards which are due to end will now have them extended, after the DWP backed down on its refusal to do so.

And more good news, claimants who were wrongly forced onto universal credit have won a Court of Appeal challenge to have their lost income reinstated.

Plus, hundreds of claimants and professionals have attended Benefits and Work PIP changes webinars and responded very positively.

We’d love to welcome you to the next one – and we’ve some words of reassurance if you’ve never been to a webinar before.

THE TRUTH ABOUT PIP TELEPHONE ASSESSMENTS

We’ve received so much feedback from the over 250 people who have completed our PIP telephone assessments survey that we’ve had to split this article into two parts, with the second part being published next week.

In this first part we can reveal that the assessment companies have been breaking the law in over one third of assessments, by failing to provide the legal minimum of seven day’s’ notice.

In some cases claimants have received precisely no notice whatsoever.

“Call came out of the blue. My husband answered the phone and as soon as PIP review was mentioned and my name he handed the call over to me. Immediate reaction, was this going to be a scam call.”

Most calls were on time. But some people were kept waiting and, perhaps more alarming, some people reported being called hours before the appointed time when they were unprepared.

And some people never got a call at all:

“Capita did not call. My appointment was at 11.45, I waited and no call was received. I phoned them at 1215hrs and was told that I had failed to attend for my assessment and that they had called 3 times! I was sat with my phone waiting for the call. They then blamed it on Vodafone saying they must have blocked them. I confirmed with Vodafone that no blocks are on my line.”

On the other hand, there were claimants who got not one, but two, calls from the assessor:

“Assessor very nice on first call, but when called back it was as though she was looking for ways to catch me out. Had an agenda.”

Although many claimants are told the assessment will last around 40 minutes, almost half of our respondents were on the phone for over an hour.

“My assessment started at 10.30 am and finished at 12.30am I was exhausted!”

“3 and a half long draining hours”

And, in some cases, being able to endure such a lengthy call was used as grounds for taking away a PIP award:

“My PIP was not renewed. One of the reasons given was that I managed to continue the phone call for so long. This was despite me being exhausted by the call and highly anxious throughout.”

Confidentiality continues to be an issue in over one in ten calls, with assessors working from homes they share with others:

“Her husband was in the vicinity and I was on speaker phone.”

“Could hear noises in background. At one point she had to stop and ask me to hold for about two minutes.”

“Banging, dog barking , I lost concentration!”

“There was some disruption because of her child in the background.”

And having a family member or carer help you give information was strongly resisted by some assessors. This is despite the fact that, as we revealed in the last newsletter, even a government minister says they should be able to provide this support.

It was this issue particularly that seemed to bring out the bully in some assessors:

“They didn’t like that call was on speaker phone with my partner present. Told him it was unacceptable to help me. Wouldn’t let me answer with more than a few word’s. Kept cutting me off with things like “that’s not the way pip wants it answered” “I’ve already explained to you” Numerous threats to end the call.”

“The assessor called me a liar on the phone. He demanded that I must speak for myself and not my representative. He told my representative that she is not allowed to talk on my behalf. He was rude and I was made to feel low.”

There’s much more information in the full article to help you prepare for your own telephone assessment. Or that of a family member, no matter how much the assessor might disapprove.

Part two will be published next week, when we’ll look at the assessor’s manner, technical problems with calls and questions about daily living and mobility. We’ll also be hearing from people who have had the result of their telephone assessment.

MINISTER CONFIRMS SHORT-TERM PIP AWARDS EXTENDED

Claimants whose fixed short-term PIP awards are due to end will have them extended, a minister has confirmed, after the DWP initially said it would not do so.

Last month Justin Tomlinson told MPs that some PIP claimants were having their awards extended:

“ . . . for those that would be due for reassessment in the next three months, we’ve automatically extended their benefit by six months.”

However, as we warned readers in the last Benefits and Work newsletter, some claimants with short-term awards and especially those awarded by a tribunal, were being told that their awards could not be extended.

Tomlinson has now told MPs:

“There was an issue for those on fixed-term, short awards, but we have now addressed that, and those claimants will continue to get an automatic six months’ extension if it is due in the next three months.”

We are still advising readers who think they should be covered by this extension to check with the DWP that it will actually be applied in their case.

ESA CLAIMANTS WRONGLY FORCED ONTO UC WIN COURT OF APPEAL BATTLE

Child Poverty Action Group has won a court of appeal battle on behalf of legacy benefits claimants, including an ESA claimant, who were wrongly forced onto universal credit and were worse-off as a result.

The claimants were forced to claim UC following errors by the DWP.

But even when they won their appeals against the decisions, regulations prevented them from going back onto their former benefits.

PR, the ESA claimant, was £180 a month worse-off.

Another claimant, TD the mother of a disabled child, was £140 a month worse-off.

If the errors had not been made and they had eventually moved onto UC via ‘managed migration’ they would have had transitional protection to protect them from this sudden fall in their income.

The DWP’s reason for leaving the claimants worse-off was that it would be too administratively complex and expensive to correct these sort of mistakes.

The Court of Appeal held that this was not a sufficient justification to treat the claimants differently.

The DWP will now either have to return the claimants, and others like them, to their former benefits or top up their UC to make up the shortfall.

PIP WEBINARS, DONT MISS OUT ON VITAL UPDATES

Have you attended one of the free Benefits and Work webinars on changes to PIP brought about as a result of the coronavirus pandemic?

If not, there’s still time as we are running another two webinars in the coming weeks, one for claimants and carers and one for professionals.

Over 200 people attended the last webinar for claimants and carers and over 150 advice and support workers attended the last professionals’ webinar.

We got lots of positive feedback, some of which you can read below.

And if you have worries about webinars because you’ve never been to one before, we’ve published some joining instructions and FAQs on webinars.

But rest assured, you can just watch and not participate if you wish, you are anonymous, you will never be seen or heard and you can ask questions by typing in the chat box, or not, as you choose.

“I attended the Covid-19 webinar last week on behalf of the Western Isles Citizens Advice Service (WICAS). I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was concise but still informative, I felt that it was pitched at the right level and both presenters were very clear and easy to understand. I definitely felt a lot more confident about the changes than I did before and in my role as training Officer I’ve been able to pass this on to our advisers.”

Norah MacPhee, Training Officer, Lewis Citizens Advice Bureau (Western Isles)

“Thank you for the webinar on Friday, we found it very useful and it was very well presented. Plenty of valuable information that we can use to help us to advise clients during the Coronavirus pandemic.”

Natalie Keys,Training Officer, Cyngor ar Bopeth Gwynedd Citizens Advice

“I attended the Webinar on Friday and would like to say that I found it really informative. It answered several questions I had concerning recent changes to the P.I.P benefit system. I enjoyed the polls that took place throughout the course and their relevance. I took notes throughout the session and have shared the information with my team who will also find it very helpful with supporting customers at this difficult time.”

Michelle Wills, Support Worker, Northants Intermediate Mental Health Floating Support Service

In this period of constant crisis and change, knowing what’s happening to your benefits is more vital than ever – so do join us.

Good Luck,

Steve Donnison

BOOST YOUR PIP, UC AND ESA CHANCES – 20% OFF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP – OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT FRIDAY.

Give yourself the best possible chance of getting the right PIP, UC or ESA decision, whether you’re making a claim, renewing an existing award or asking for a reconsideration or appeal.

Subscribe now and get instant access to all our guides.

If you’re not already a member, join the Benefits and Work community before midnight on Friday and you can get 20% off the cost of your annual subscription.

Just type the following code into the coupon box when you pay: 74838

Claimants and carers get an annual subscription for £15.96, down from £19.95. Professionals get an annual subscription for £77.60, down from £97.00.

Offer ends midnight Friday

BENEFITS NEWS

What PIP telephone assessments are really like

PIP webinar feedback, will you attend the next one?

ESA claimants wrongly forced onto UC win Court of Appeal battle

Minister confirms short-term PIP awards will be extended

GOOD NEWS FROM THE FORUM AND BY EMAIL

As always, many thanks to everyone who takes the trouble to post in the forum or email us with news of your success. We know it’s many readers favourite, and most encouraging, bit of the newsletter.

PIP Appeal success!

“Hello all, currently in a state of disbelief. Letter received today, DWP scored my friend 0 points. Tribunal has awarded him 15 points Daily Living and 12 Mobility. I am over the moon. The original decision was just a few days under a year ago and the first tribunal decided they couldn’t do it on the papers alone. The second clearly disagreed because they didn’t telephone for the pre-arranged phone tribunal. This has been an incredibly stressful year, the effects of having his income cut off, of being not believed has had a huge emotional strain on him, not to mention the financial worries. So happy to be able to put that behind him and focus on the only thing that should matter, his health. Justice has finally been done, thank you so much to Benefits And Work, all who contribute to this site and it’s guides. Really don’t know how to thank you.”

Update and thanks

“I just wanted to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all who offered their advice and experience while I was going through the PIP review process (since September 2019). I got my decision letter on Friday and my award has been kept the same despite the ‘assessment’ report which, if followed, would have meant I’d have got no PIP at all… A couple of sentences in the decision letter caught my attention:

“I looked at the health professional consultation report and changed the descriptors previously chosen based on the medical evidence received. I decided to award you PIP for a longer time.” So, once again many thanks!”

Successful MR

“Cannot believe it, had a letter from DWP giving me my award of standard Daily Living back. Cannot believe this!!!! Just checked & the back pay’s already gone into the bank. It was 8 weeks today since I went for MR… Thanks so much to all of you for this, I never dreamt that I’d get my award back without a massive fight. At some point I shall lie down & have a jolly good sob. Keep fighting all & never ever give up!”

Telephone appeal success

“Appeal / Upheld by appeal court via telephone. Just wanted to relay thanks to the mods who have assisted throughout. Went from 4 pts Daily Living and 4 pts Mobility to Enhanced on both rates. Judge and panel were extremely patient and all the questioning regarded the pip descriptors and why i disagreed with HP report for each descriptor. I had provided all the information and evidence available and was allowed to explain why i disagreed with original decision. The appeal took around 50-60 mins and was extremely thorough and i did not try to embellish anything and just said it as it was. Judge phoned me back after about 15 mins and thanked me for my input and gave me the panels decision. Waited 12 months for this and stressed to the limit but feel justified now. Many thanks again to B/W and all mods.”

PIP, PIP, hooray!

“So today I have finally received official notification of my son’s p.i.p award.. Score 20 points daily living = enhanced.. Score 12 points mobility = enhanced.. Awarded until February 2026… Thanks for all the support to b and w in this very stressful process and all the best to all of you awaiting award notifications”

BOOST YOUR PIP, UC AND ESA CHANCES – 20% OFF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP – OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT FRIDAY.

Give yourself the best possible chance of getting the right PIP, UC or ESA decision, whether you’re making a claim, renewing an existing award or asking for a reconsideration or appeal.

Subscribe now and get instant access to all our guides.

If you’re not already a member, join the Benefits and Work community before midnight on Friday and you can get 20% off the cost of your annual subscription.

Just type the following code into the coupon box when you pay: 74838

Sent from my iPhone

21

[Philjb]

Pretty sure they would call a halt to any ftf if they knew it was being recorded without prior consent.

Best thing to do is bring a friend or family member to take notes.

mind you I’ve never had a problem with pip assessments, they’ve all been straight forward.

[Jane]

Don’t know how they got away with it as dwp/  pip are so strict on these rules .also my assessment  centre has it on paiper  on the wall.

[ChrisK]

My assessment was in Weston-s-Mare, 20 miles from my home in Bristol even though there’s a government assessment centre less than 2 miles from my home.

Goes without saying in the assessors report he made a point over and over in how well I managed to travel 20 miles without the help of a satnav and yes he did ask if I used a satnav to get there and I told him I was born and breed in Bristol 65 years ago so I know the south west well.

When I approach the DWP at MR I gave them a minute by minute account of how I got to the assessment centre and that I tripped, stumbled and sort of walked the whole of 10 metres from my armchair to the Motability parked on my drive then drove 20 miles to W-s-M then with the help of my carer wife removed my pavement scooter from the car and made my way to the centre, the whole 150 metres of it.

I pointed out that it was the adapted Motability car, the very car you now want to take away from me, that had allowed me to go anywhere never mind to W-s-M and in the time from here to there and back again I’d walk no more 20 metres and I had not even been asked to see how I stumbled, trip and sort of walk about.

The fact that the car is adapted and I just can’t drive any car just went over their heads.

On the point of them being able to reduce, as well as increase an award brings me to the fact that even though they only gave my 10 points for mobility with 12 being the magic number they did increase my care from middle to high so a little bit of swings and roundabouts but its mobility that’s important to me being able to get out and about so going to tribunal was a risk but even at MR I pointed out to them how they acknowledged how I needed more help at home with the higher care allowance but then pointed out that the care seem to stop at my front door as I was, by there decision, being imprison in my own home and garden by the lack of 2 points.

I don’t know what it is now but in 2017 the lower/middle rate moblity was about £22 a week if I remember right so I also asked the DWP what I was supposed to do with that, a couple of taxi rides, half a dozen bus rides or may be save up for a couple of years to buy a scooter?

A risk I know but just had to take then to tribunal but tribunal put everything right for me and certainly gave the doctor and judge a horrifying look on their faces when I stumbled from my scooter to a pew in the court.

Yes the PIP assessment is a lottery with made up guide lines, have no doubt.

[martino]

I didn’t now what to call the thread ,

so this is just my thoughts ,

I think the PIP assessments and reassessments are a waste of time and money and are a complete farce i do not think there is any proper structure to them .

When you don’t get a good result ie <b>Enhanced Rate, </b>They miss stuff  change information , ie they were relaxing and calm in to assessment , when in fact you were a complete wreck, ect, then they say you can appeal but it can go up or they can take it away from you so they are scaring you into not appealing, so most of the time we just accept what they say .

There’s are person that’s was on DLA higher rate mobility middle rate care for live ,, then had to start the process for pip  , as well as medical issues he had they allowed him to receive DLA ,he then  he ended up with cancer he had to have a face to face assessment in the house they awarded him PIP for two years PIP Mobility Enhanced Rate and PIP Daily Living Standard Rate

He had his review assessment in the house and got his letter today to say they awarded him PIP for four  years PIP Mobility Enhanced Rate and PIP Daily Living Enhanced Rate, well done great result, like most of us he was mostly worried he was going to loss his motability car .

The thing that concerns me and made me write this is nothing changed medically for him from him first getting PIP two years ago, yet two assessments with two different assessors giving two different results. He get a higher award for a longer time, in conclusion I think its just down to what the assessor thinks there is no structure in the assessments ,its just a lottery, or just a farce we all have to endure.

[martino]

my brother was moved from dla to pip for two year he had a review assessment in the house the day before they stopped doing the assessments he is still waiting on a decision .

he has a motability car they have extended the lease while waiting on the result.

he was put onto  Mobility Enhanced Rate and Daily Living Standard Rate

today he got a payment of £607.95 he would normally get £200ish

Any Ideas

[joss]

Someone asked about PIP assessments over the telephone. This is a long winded post, but should help you understand what will take place and your rights.

All PIP face-to-face assessments have been suspended for three months from 17 March 2020, due to coronavirus. Claimants will have a paper assessment or a telephone assessment instead.
Legal notice of a telephone assessment
PIP regulations state that if you are to have either a face-to-face assessment or a telephone assessment you must be sent written notice of the date and time at least 7 days in advance.
While there have been some legal arguments over what ‘sent’ means, in CIB 4012 2004 the upper tribunal held that the DWP need to show that they posted an appointment letter so that it would normally arrive at least 7 days before the appointment.

So, if you don’t get 7 days’ notice in writing and this going to cause you difficulties, contact the assessment provider straight away and explain that you need proper notice.
If they refuse to give you a new appointment, in writing, make a formal complaint and contact your MP.
However, you will need to think very carefully about whether, in these circumstances, you refuse to take part in the scheduled assessment.
If you do refuse, it is likely that your case will be returned to the DWP. It will then be up to you to prove that you were not notified correctly. It is very likely that in order to win the argument you would have to go to Tribunal, which is likely to be a long drawn out process.

When is a telephone call from a health professional not an assessment?
You may get a call out of the blue from a health professional asking questions about your condition and how it affects you.
This is not necessarily a telephone assessment. Instead, it may be a that a paper assessment is being carried out, but the health professional needs to clarify a small number of points before they can complete their report.
In these circumstances you do not have the right to 7 days’ notice.

However, it would still be perfectly reasonable to ask the HP to call back at an agreed time. You might, for example, be feeling unwell or expecting an important call from someone else or find calls without notice very unsettling.
You could ask the HP how long the call is likely to take and what issues they need information on, so that you can be properly prepared.
The call itself should only be a short one. If the health professional needs to ask a lot of questions then clearly a paper assessment is not appropriate.

1.4.15 Where necessary, HPs may seek further information from claimants by telephone. Such telephone calls should be made by approved HPs, not by clerical staff.
1.4.16 HPs should identify who they are and the purpose of the call. A written record should be taken of any telephone discussion seeking further information, using the claimant’s own words as precisely as possible. This information should be included in the assessment report provided to DWP or via the PIPAT [software]. The HP should always ask if there is anything else that the claimant wishes to say before concluding the call. The call should conclude by reading back what has been documented and advising the claimant that this information will be added as evidence to the file.
It is clear then, that this is very different from a full assessment which will last much longer and would not include having the evidence read back to the claimant.

Having someone with you at a telephone assessment
It’s really important that if you need someone to help you with your telephone call, that they are able to take part. The fact that this is a telephone assessment should not in any way prevent you getting support from family or friends. Yet we have heard from members who have been told by the assessment provider that they can’t have anyone else take part in the call.

The PIP assessment Guide Part 1: The Assessment Process says for face-to-face consultations: 1.6.51 Claimants have a right to be accompanied to a face-to-face consultation if they so wish. Claimants should be encouraged to bring another person with them to consultations where they would find this helpful – for example, to reassure them or to help them during the consultation. The person chosen is at the discretion of the claimant and might be, but is not limited to, a parent, family member, friend, carer or advocate.
It goes on to say:
1.6.53 Consultations should predominantly be between the HP and the claimant. However, the companions may play an active role in helping claimants answer questions where the claimant or HP wishes them to do so. HPs should allow a companion to contribute and should record any evidence they provide. This may be particularly important where the claimant has a mental, cognitive or intellectual impairment. In such cases the claimant may not be able to give an accurate account of their health condition or impairment, through a lack of insight or unrealistic expectations of their own ability. In such cases it will be essential to get an accurate account from the companion.
We would argue very strongly that this applies equally to telephone consultations.

If the person you want with you lives in your household then this is very straightforward. Make sure you introduce them when the call begins and explain why they are there.
If the health professional objects, read out the guidance above to them.
If they still object, suggest that they ring Capita or IAS for advice before they continue with the assessment.
If the person lives elsewhere they are unlikely to be able to join you because of the lockdown. It should be absolutely no problem for Atos or Capita to arrange a conference call to include your accompanying person.
Contact them as soon as you receive notice of the call and ask for this to be done.
If they refuse to do so, make a complaint immediately and tell them that you will be contacting your MP and getting advice on bringing a claim for breach of the Equality Act 2010.
Just in case of technical problems on the day, you might want to look into whether you can join a third party into a call yourself when it has already begun. There are some phone providers that make this possible.
Alternatively, if you have two telephones, you may be able to have them both on speaker phone and get round the problem that way.

We would not advise you to refuse to go ahead with a call if your accompanying person cannot be joined in, unless the health professional is happy to agree to rearrange for a different date. If you simply refuse to take part, your claim is likely to be returned to the DWP and you will then have to try to show that you had good cause for not taking part in the assessment.
It is likely to be safer to take part in the assessment and make a formal complaint afterwards. If you do not receive the correct PIP award, one of your grounds of appeal would be the failure to allow you to have your accompanying person at your assessment.

 

Joss
Current car: BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In metallic Portimão Blue. 04:10:2025
Previous car:Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.

[joss]

On your last PIP assessment Saintsman, how long did they give you?

On my last PIP assessment I got awarded 10 year. Also got a letter saying I was now placed on the Light touch scheme.

Fingers n toes crossed for you Saintsman. Keep us posted on out come.

Joss
Current car: BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In metallic Portimão Blue. 04:10:2025
Previous car:Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.

[joss]

FACE-TO-FACE ASSESSMENTS SUSPENDED

The DWP have announced the suspension of all PIP, ESA and UC face-to-face assessments for three months, from Tuesday 17 March.

Anyone who had a face-to-face assessment appointment scheduled from Tuesday 17 March onwards does not need to attend.

You should be contacted by IAS (Atos), Capita or Maximus to discuss next steps and alternative arrangements.

This may mean your claim will be assessed just on whatever paperwork is available.

In some cases the assessment provider might also carry out a telephone assessment.

This may take the form of supplementary questions where there is not enough information in the paperwork.

MOST APPEALS TO BE PAPER ONLY FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS
Tribunal judges have been given the power to sit alone and to make decisions about PIP, ESA, UC and DLA appeals just on the papers.

Under the new powers, a tribunal judge can make a provisional decision just on the paperwork where they believe a successful outcome for the claimant is highly likely.

Once a provisional decision is made both you and the DWP will be asked if you agree with that decision.

If you both do, it will become a final decision.

If either you or the DWP are not happy, you can still insist that the case goes to a full hearing.

If a full hearing is required, wherever possible it will be done ‘remotely’. This may mean by video link or telephone conferencing.

One concern about this system is that when a provisional decision is made by a judge, some claimants may feel under a great deal of pressure to accept the award, even if it is not as high as they think they should get.

PIP AWARDS EXTENDED, BENEFITS REVIEWS AND REASSESSMENTS SUSPENDED
In a welcome move, the DWP have announced that there will be no new reviews or reassessments of benefits for three months from Tuesday 24 March.

Benefits affected include:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Universal Credit (UC)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Attendance Allowance (AA)
Where an assessment has already taken place for PIP, the decision making process will continue.

Where you already have an assessment scheduled, the assessment provider should contact you to explain whether a paper or telephone assessment will take place.

If your PIP award is due to end, it will be extended.

Joss
Current car: BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In metallic Portimão Blue. 04:10:2025
Previous car:Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.

[joss]

Face-to-face health assessments for benefits suspended amid coronavirus outbreak

Claimants on disability benefits will no longer be required to attend face-to-face assessments. The change also covers health checks for Universal Credit.

Face-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits will be suspended for the next 3 months, the government announced today (16 March 2020).

The temporary move, effective on Tuesday 17 March 2020, is being taken as a precautionary measure to protect vulnerable people from unnecessary risk of exposure to coronavirus as the country’s response ramps up in the ‘delay’ phase. We will ensure those who are entitled to a benefit continue to receive support, and that new claimants are able to access the safety net.

It affects claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), those on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and some on Universal Credit, and recipients of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

The suspension of face-to-face assessments also covers new claims to those benefits.

Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

As we move into the next phase of our response to coronavirus, it is right we take steps to protect those with health problems.

Temporarily suspending face-to-face assessments for sickness and disability benefits will allow us to ensure we continue to provide a safety net for those in need, while removing unnecessary risk of exposure to this disease.
Anyone who has a face-to-face assessment appointment scheduled from Tuesday 17 March onwards does not need to attend and will be contacted to discuss next steps and alternative arrangements, which could involve either telephone or paper-based assessments. We expect this measure will be in effect for the next 3 months but we will be regularly reviewing the position in line with Public Health advice.

No further action is required by any claimant as a result of this change. They will be contacted with advice on next steps.

DWP continues to accept new claims for all benefits. Anyone already receiving PIP, ESA, Universal Credit or Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, will continue to receive their current payments as normal while alternative arrangements are put in place to review or reassess their claim.

Suspending face-to-face health assessments is a precautionary measure which reflects the Prime Minister’s decision to trigger the ‘delay’ phase. It is important to note that this change does not affect or change any existing public health advice.

 

Joss
Current car: BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In metallic Portimão Blue. 04:10:2025
Previous car:Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.

[OscarOne]

Unbelievable. That said however, you must NOT give up!

I appreciate you have requested a “manual reconsideration” and that, that was negative however, that’s just a box ticking exercise by a Senior Case Assessor, your next step is to appeal and you MUST do it.

I have dug out the latest Lifestyle mag from Motability, I quote the following which I hope is of some help;

# If  you are not awarded the Enhanced Rate Mobility component of PIP:

Following your DLA to PIP assessment, if you are not eligible for the Enhanced Rate of Mobility Component of PIP, you will no longer be eligible for the Motability Scheme. Motability Operations will be in touch to help you return the vehicle and support you through this transition. You may also be eligible for a pro-rata refund of any Advance Payment you made. When the vehicle is returned, you will not have to pay any further lease payments.

# DLA – PIP Transitional Support for Scheme customers:

There is a package of financial support available if you are a Scheme customer who previously received DLA payments and have been unsuccessful in your PIP reassessment, as long as you return the vehicle to the dealership in good condition and by the agreed date. Transitional Support is only applicable for Scheme customers who are unsuccessful following a DLA to PIP reassessment and does not apply to PIP – PIP reassessments.

# Stopped Allowance Support for Scheme Customers:

For a period of three years from September 2019, Motability (the charity) has committed to support Scheme customers who lose eligibility to the Motability Scheme as a result of a stopped allowance following reassessment, such as PIP – PIP, or those who joined the scheme from 2014 onwards who would not receive the transitional support payment. Through the Stopped Allowance Support Group Programme, Motability will help scheme customers with a payment of £1,000. Powered Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme customers can apply for a smaller payment, which will give them option to buy their Scheme Wheelchair or Scooter.

# Who Can Receive Stopped Allowance Support:

Scheme customers who are unable to continue to use the Motability Scheme as a result of losing their qualifying benefit following a reassessment will be eligible. This includes: PIP – PIP, DLA – PIP (where they are not eligible to receive a grant from Motability’s Transitional Support Programme), DLA – DLA.

The payment will be available if you return your car in good condition to your dealer, and on or before the date agreed with Motability Operations. Please note you cannot receive both Transitional Support and Stopped Allowance Support.

# How do I claim Stopped Allowance Support?:

When the DWP stop your allowance, they will notify the Motability Scheme. As long as your car is returned to your dealer in good condition, within the agreed timescales agreed with Motability Operations, you will automatically receive a cheque for the £1,000 grant in the post. You do not need to apply for Stopped Allowance Support.

# Re-joining the scheme:

If the DWP re-awards your qualifying mobility allowance after you have returned your vehicle, you will unable to re-join the Motability Scheme for six months. This is because Stopped Allowance Support grants are available to help unsuccessful claimants when they leave the Scheme. If you would like to re-join within six months of receiving a Stopped Allowance Support grant, you will need to contact Motability Schemes Customer helpline to discuss your options, which could include paying back part of the Stopped Allowance Support grant.

————

Hope the above is of some help. Re the appeal, you must get some help, perhaps the local CAB office. In addition, you need to get your GP on-side, get something on their system, ask for a letter? I’m so sorry for you but you mustn’t let them win. They hope you run out of energy and give up. Don’t. Unfit for purpose. Private sector sadly. Best of luck anyway.

[Anonymous]

I have been a member of this forum for a number of months now and have commented on a few posts usually car related. I have read many many posts regarding applying for PIP and attending face to face assessments. I have also seen comments about assessors being inacurate with their reports and unfortunately I have also seen coments about Manditory Considrations having a low success rate. I really cannot comment on this but can only give my personal experience. I have never applied for PIP and was only signposted in this direction by a local authority employee when I was appying for a Blue Badge. The first point I would like to make when commencing the process is ‘Do not believe that the DWP will contact any medical proffesionals to verify your claims. I was told on the telephone they will not. Even when their guidance undisputedly infers that they will. A very helpfull (in hindsight not so) councel worker helped me complete the initial application (she scribbled away on the application) but never showed me the final document. But thankfully it was enough to get me to a face to face assessment. I must emphasise i submitted no medical documentation at all as I wrongly thought DWP would request. I turned up to my F2F and was greeted with a very friendly and reassuring (witch) assessor who made me feel totally at ease. I answered everything honestly and again had no documentation from my doctors as i pressumed by this time they had received this. Fast forward letter comes in awarded nothing for either PIP benefit. The assessors report was somewhat accurate and in other respects full of (lets just say discrepencies). I had read the copy of her report I had requested. I applied for a manditory consideration. Sorry for the extremely long introduction but here is the point. I obtained medical reports from my GP and Mental Health specialist and send them to the DWP. Along with a 12 page letter pointing out the inaccuracies in the OH report and more importantly addressing how each of my disabilities affects me . I went into considerable detail. It actually took me almost a week to write as I made sure everything was covered. Long long story short (sorry) I was awarded 15 points for Daily and 14 for Mobility for 3 years and backdated to original date. Please everybody please do not give up. Ask for MR or Appeal but dont rush your representaion. If you cant yourself get someone to help you but you ‘can can can’ go from nil to full award just take your time and read and re read. Wow . That was long but thats beer for you. Fed up seeing deserving people being put off by a far from perfect system and others understandibly (advising its just not worth the effort). Good luck.

[bfoandc]

I too sympathise. My first PIP assessment, in 2017, when transferring from DLA wasn’t deceitful as such, more confused and inconsistent. On mandatory reconsideration it was improved. I had an assessment for a PIP review in January. The report was downright deceitful: didn’t list all the evidence I’d presented, was full of omissions, had vague descriptions used as ‘evidence’ and the discounting of anything that supported my description of the problems and their effects. I’ve complained about the assessment and informed my MP as well. I’m waiting to hear what the DWP decision is and my Motability car may also need to be returned.

[joss]

Sorry to read your story stuck123. You are not alone in this lottery that is PIP. How some of these assessors can sleep at night, I don’t know with the lies and inaccuracies they tell.

As JS has link above for you, have a good read of that thread as it contains lots of info and links.

For more in depth support on how to appeal

Benefit & Work PIP claim help https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/index.php  subscription of £19.00 per year but is well worth for the advice of the forum and resources like help guides and how to’s.

Turn2us. Free help with benefits and more https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

Make sure you get an affidavit from your carer who took you in wheel care to the assessment. when you appeal.

Please keep up us updated and best wishes

 

Joss
Current car: BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In metallic Portimão Blue. 04:10:2025
Previous car:Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.

[JS]

Sorry to here this stuck123.

there are lots of posts on PIP etc that can be found by using the search box, one that contains some helpful info is https://forum.whichmobilitycar.co.uk/forums/topic/pip-anyone-been-turned-down/

And information from the Motability site.

https://www.motability.co.uk/about/allowances/personal-independence-payment-pip/unsuccessful-reassessment/

 

[JS]

Motability message from our CEO

With the constantly evolving situation surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we are going through worrying times. As our valued customers, we’d like to reassure you that we are doing all we can to make sure that you are supported, and our services continue without interruption.
These steps include measures to keep you and your family mobile in the event of periods of self-isolation or illness. For example if your lease is coming to an end, you are due to collect a new car, or your PIP reassessment is delayed, we should also be able to arrange an extension on your current lease if needed.
In line with Government guidelines, we are advising employees who can work from home to do so, to ensure their wellbeing and that of their communities. This means that we are working with a reduced number of advisers. Phone lines will be open, but we’d be grateful for your patience if call lines are busier than usual.
At present we are not seeing any disruption in services to Scheme customers by dealers, Kwik Fit, the RAC and RSA Motability (RSAM), but we’ll let you know if that changes.
We are reviewing the situation on an ongoing basis and will keep you advised of any developments. In the meantime, you may find it helpful to read our FAQs on the Coronavirus situation here. If you have a general query you can visit our website and ‘Ask a question’ using the Q&A bot or try the FAQ section, or speak to your dealer.
Best wishes

Mike Betts
CEO, Motability Operations Ltd

[file28]

just read this

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsscotland/coronavirus-forces-dwp-to-stop-face-to-face-disability-benefit-assessments/ar-BB11hXNt?ocid=spartandhp

unsure of the reliability of the story but my wife has just sent off her renewal claim form ,she was on DLA and now asked to apply for PIP

 

"the world is full of kings and queens who blind your eyes and steal your dreams-its heaven and hell "(RJD)
Peugeot 2008gt
Selenium grey

[Philjb]

Not the first time they have been told the assessment process is a shambles.

why should someone with an chronic incurable and degenerative condition be worried that the next assessment they may not be awarded pip etc.

It would be far easier in those cases to ask for a single consultant or GP letter to say yes or no nothing has changed.

Also in the current situation if you state you have good days it’s likely you’ll be dismissed as cured and fit for work. lol

[Winston]

Don’t give up hope

when I first applied for PIP and the assessor cane to my house , she was very nice and as part of the assessment asked how far I could walk ( on a good day ) I think I was pretty doped up to be honest , but I kind remember her saying 30 something , can’t remember if it was 30 feet or metres ( big difference I know ) but in the heat of the moment and being doped up I think I just said yeah that one!

anyways fast forward to the decision letter , enhanced for daily living and standard for mobility

I realised a mistake had been made , probably genuine on both parts , I didn’t have any extra medical evidence to send for the MR but I wrote a heartfelt genuine letter and explained the misunderstanding between the 30ft and 30m

not long after I recieved a reply saying they had accepted this and award enhanced rate mobility

pip award was for 3 years and that was about 6/7 years ago in my early 30s

now I’m on an ongoing award for both components

so don’t give up hope and maybe do what I did and send a genuine letter explaining what you disagree with on your decision letter and explain in the most basic terms what you can and more importantly cannot do! Along with any extra medical evidence you have too

it’s a horrible time, but wishing you the very best of luck ??