Pip claim

andylfc71

Hi I'm new here, I've submitted a claim for PIP as I have copd aswell as severe anxiety and depression.

I've received a message from DWP on the 24 Oct to say a health professional is looking at my claim. And then on the 25 Sept I got a message from PIP to say they are managing my assessment and will contact me if appointment for consultation.

Then Mon 10 Nov I got a phone appointment which I'm dreading for 25 Nov.

I'm confused because I thought PIP & DWP worked separately.

So incredibly worried I won't get awarded anything. Any advice is appreciated.

Kimi87

They do work separately.

Claimants send off claim to DWP.

DWP give it to one of the health assessment providers, who are contracted by DWP to provide the service*

The HAPs manage the assessment process. They produce a report which is sent to DWP.

A DWP Decision Maker makes the final decision about your claim. They usually follow the HAPs recommendation.

*The DWP manage the entire process themselves, in a few areas

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-your-health-assessment-provider#dwp-providing-assessments

andylfc71

Thank you for this information Kimmy87. I done my application online throught PIP website. I understand the health assessment people sent their information to DWP for the DM to make a decision but they dont have any medical background so how do they make the decision.

Thanks again.

Kimi87

They generally follow the medical assessment providers recommendation, but as I said not always.

Each DM would undergo procedural and regulation training to authorise them to make the decision.

If the claimant disagrees, then they can take their case to an independent appeal tribunal. Sometimes the DWP will then make an award offer, negating the need for an appeal hearing.

Jimm_Alumni

First off, welcome to the community 😊 I hope we can help reassure and support you through what is a pretty stressful experience. Many of us have been through the PIP application and know what it is like.

They do nearly always go with what the health assessment says @andylfc71, though there are sometimes cases that they don't follow it exactly those are quite rare. It is stressful I know! Do you have anyone who can sit with you during the assessment potentially? I had my partner sit with me during mine, she helped me stay calm, remind me of things I'd forgot to mention, help prompt me and more. If not I'd recommend making notes beforehand similar to what you put into your PIP form to just remind you of how you are affected. I know it seems so simple, but when put on the spot about certain questions I know I certain would have forgot things if it wasn't for notes and having my partner there!

If you want to read more about the PIP assessment we have some further advice here: PIP | Disability charity Scope UK