Case Manager vs Decision Maker

igglypop93

Hopefully just a quick query. Does anyone know what the difference is between these two job titles please? Or are they the same person but just different jargon? 

(Had my first review recently, know it can take 12 wks or more, but someone on the pip line I spoke to about something else mentioned my file was with a case manager already and seemed happy kind of surprised to let me know that. But I just don't know if that means the same as decision maker please?)

poppy123456

They are often referred to as the same thing. However, a case manager is only trained to make PIP decisions. Many people also refer to them as “decision makers”

A decision maker may have experience of other benefits and would also be responsible for making eligibility decisions as well as entitlement ones. 

Once an assessment report is returned to DWP it’s usually sent to a DM or CM and put on the pile with many hundreds of others. 

igglypop93

Brilliant, thank you so much for clearing that up !

realt56

can I ask how long you've been waiting for a decision since you have had your review?

igglypop93

Only literally just had the review on the 24th August so not very far into the wait at all. We returned the review back in October 2022. 

scared56

if I had my assessment for a change of circumstances and I felt it went dreadful, I rang dwp to say I'm not sure the hp has done this right it was random questionquestions.questionquestions, a case worker said I have your report in front of me and with your limitations its all looking so far so good should I believe that, I've driven my self to insanity over it this time and I'm worse than I've ever been I wish I could work its the worst thing ever, would he of had my award I have at the moment in view I had 11 daily living and 10 planning a journey but had to make a change didn't want more money just a longer Award while I deal with my health cause and this definitely has not helped, and if I'm honest 4 points that I honestly lost last time and left it well I'd like now because of everything you lose along side its cruel when your genuine, hopefully just a couple weeks and I'll no, you do find that the cheats get enhanced and don't even worry, I don't get it I've lost 2 stone with worry. Anyway anyone think he's on the level?

scared56

kingston

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/730118#Comment_730118

just been told my reviews taking up form/evidence is also with a case manager after sending in my documents last week, is this a good sign that the review will be done quickly?

Adrian_Scope

Morning @scared56, assessments can be incredibly stressful and it’s very common to replay everything afterwards and worry about how it came across.

I don't like to look into comments case workers make as there are no guarantees, but saying things were “looking so far so good” does sound like a positive sign.

Also, yes, they would have had your current award and history available to them. Decision makers look at the whole picture, including your previous points, your change of circumstances, and the healthcare professional’s report.

The waiting is often the hardest part, and the level of anxiety you’re describing is sadly something many of us experience.

I also want to gently address your comment about "cheats". I know you're feeling very worried at the moment but focusing on other people won’t help you or ease what you’re going through.

Despite media claims and public perception, fraud in PIP is actually very low (I believe it's estimated to be 0.4%), and most people claiming are genuine and struggling in their own ways, just like you are. We try to keep the focus on supporting each other rather than labelling others as "cheats" as we all know how distressing it can be to worry about not being believed.

I hope you hear back about your review soon and please let us know how you get on. 🙂