Report vs Assesment

Tiredmum42

Hi everyone
i hope you are all well and I was hoping for some advice.
My 16 year old son is just transitioning from DLA (mrc and lrm) to PIP. He has a learning disability and multiple needs. I sent off to pip his EHCP and latest speech therapy report and Capita did a paper based assessment and handed it back to the DWP. 

Anyway, it’s now with a decision maker and I asked for a copy of the report. He was awarded 24 points living and 16 mobility with a recommendation that this be reviewed in 5 years.
My question is- do the DWP generally follow the report recommendation both in terms of points/award and also in terms of the award length.
Im feeling a bit overwhelmed so any advice would be so welcome 

poppy123456

Hi,

Mostly yes but not always and it has been known for them to go against it. However, i've had a paper based assessment for my last review and my daughter's had 2 paper based assessments and decision's have always been in our favour.

Nothing more you can do but wait. As this is a transfer from DLA then the PIP will start about 7 weeks after the decision's been made.

Tiredmum42

Thankyou Poppy, that’s really helpful. I do appreciate it. Sadly the report was very accurate in terms of my son as he can’t go out without support. 

They have told me it’s an 8 week wait with the decision maker but I’m prepared for it to be longer- the forms were sent in August! 

I wanted the report to gauge some idea so it’s really positive to know it’s more often that the decision maker supports it. 

poppy123456

The timescale is more like 2-12 weeks because backlogs are so huge.

Tiredmum42

Thanks Poppy!
I wonder if the DWP actually make their own assessment of the PIP form or just read the assessors report? If the former, it’s no wonder it’s a lengthy process. Thanks for your support 

poppy123456

Before making a decision they are supposed to look at everything you sent as well as the assessment report. The reason why the process is so long at the moment is because the pandemic has caused even more backlogs.

Sillymoo007

My son (autism) had a paper based assessment. I had no idea that was even a thing. I sent off application and evidence,then silence for 8 weeks. Then an award letter ,enhanced for 9 years landed on the mat. The move from DLA to PIP was smooth and his award increased significantly.

Tiredmum42

Thankyou silly moo. The gap for my son has sadly increased as he’s grown into a young adult and the assessors report accurately reflects this, so hopefully the DWP will agree