PIP assessment question

SJM2023

I was recently awarded PIP daily living at the standard rate and i requested a copy of the PIP telephone assessment.

I was awarded 2 points for 4 different descriptors because i use a disability aid for all 4. This is what i stated in the claim form so i was happy enough with the outcome.

However, the assessor in her notes stated on all for descriptors that she "considered i needed assistance" due to the fact i was taking around twice as long to complete tasks. She decided against doing this due to my medical evidence/GP report which i understand.

My question is however, if she had decided i need assistance and then awarded me the extra points for either all or some of these desciptors this would have likely given me the enhanced rate.

Can i actually be awarded these points based on her assessment and possibly be awarded enhanced rate daily living, but without actually getting any assistance/help from someone, or would that be a requirement following any award?
I would assume i would have to have someone physically helping me if i was awarded extra points for this?

She obviously knows i live alone and don't have anyone to help. In reality, i wouldn't actually want any assistance even if needed and would just continue with the standard rate.

Thanks.

calcotti

It is assessed on the help you need in order to carry the task out regardless of whether or not you actually get help.

SJM2023

Ok thanks for that, very interesting.

So in reality i could have actually stated myself that i need assistance doing these desciptors in the pip claim form (which would be more accurate really) but without actually getting any if i chose not to?

calcotti

SJM2023 said:

Ok thanks for that, very interesting.

So in reality i could have actually stated myself that i need assistance doing these desciptors in the pip claim form (which would be more accurate really) but without actually getting any if i chose not to?

Yes. PIP is about the difficulties you experience, so if having help would enable you to do things to the required standard but you can't reach that standard without the help then the appropriate point score would be needing help. The fact that you manage without help isn't relevant if when doing things on your own you don't reach the required standard.