Pip paper assessment… is DWP call centre right?

ella65

Hi all,
I’ve had a read through the forums and wondered if anyone has had a similar case to me and time lines…

I applied for pip in September, filled out the forms and sent additional evidence in December and requested a paper assessment if possible due to my conditions.

I had a text on Monday saying my report had been received. So I called to ask for it initially and to confirm paper assessment… but the guy on the phone said that I’d been given a paper assessment due to my situation and he can see that I’d be scored as enhanced on both living and mobility… and to expect a letter/back payment within 2 weeks. If not recieved by then, to call and chase up..!

Obviously this all sounds super positive and if it’s the case, I’m know I’m so lucky compared to what so many have to go through. 

But I wondered.. should the DWP guy have said this to me without it being ‘formally’ agreed by the decision maker? He basically said I should have enhanced on both by my report that he can see, and it’d rarely change from the report so to keep an eye out..

I’m obsessing over this now and can barely think about anything else since worrying that he is wrong!!

ella65

poppy123456

Hi,

Paper based assessments are rare but possible and some do have them. If a decision hadn't been made the person you spoke to had no right to tell you anything because it's not their place to do so. Nothing is final until a decision's been made and only a decision maker can do that.

If successfully awarded you usually receive money into your bank before the decision letter, assuming you're not transfering from DLA.

ella65

Thanks @poppy123456 I was stunned when they told me to be honest… I didn’t even ask it, I was just confirming that the text was correct in that I wouldn’t need a f2f or phone assessment…
it’s a new claim yes not transferring from DLA.

niknak7278

Hi @ella65 I applied for PIP obo my adult daughter beginning of September, sent PIP2 back beginning of November, and received the same text message last Thursday.

I did request a paper based assessment but was highly surprised it was granted given its a rarity.

Good luck with the outcome.

ella65

@niknak7278 fingers crossed for us both, I’ve been fully expecting a battle and major stress with calls/face to face (I have speech and social anxiety issues as well as other things)… please do let me know if you hear anything as you’re maybe a few days ahead of me!

niknak7278

Thank you @ella65

I did breathe a huge sigh of relief when I received that text, it was bad enough prepping and getting through the initial phone call with my daughter.

I’ve two boxes of hair dye in my bathroom, so if I ever think about calling for an update I can spend that 40 mins doing my hair instead.

 🤞 

Lisatho11987777

On my own experience I always had paper based now I am 10years to my next assessment which I was happy about 

Tiredmum42

Hi I didn’t request a paper assessment for my son, but they decided to give him one. This is probably due to him having a learning disability and speech, language and communication needs among other things. I was pleased they considered his needs as I know paper based are not usual
I’ve had a copy of his report and the letter to say they have all the evidence so it’s just a waiting game now 

Tiredmum42

@ella65 could it be that the call centre meant the decision makers report as opposed to the assessors?

ella65

@Tiredmum42 possibly? I wonder if they can see drafts or something? 

I know from what I’m reading in other threads they are outsourced etc but surely they can’t say you’ll be awarded if you aren’t.. especially as calls are recorded?

Smjoyce79

Hi,
Who exactly do you need to contact to request to paper-based assessment? I am jumping the gun a bit, as 
I haven't been given an appointment yet. I just want to put it out there so they will know my preferred choice  and the reason I've why I have requested it,
With this being my 2nd attempt applying for PIP, I am so concerned that I will muck the whole process, this is very possible too.
Based on their decision the 1st time around, I know I'm going to be guarded, which I know won't help my assessment.

I am on the safeguarding alert but I doubt this will make any difference to the assessment process, not only that I have no idea how to start a letter requesting a paper-based assessment. I know if I leave it to the last minute my anxieties will go through the roof.

poppy123456

Smjoyce79 said:

Hi,
Who exactly do you need to contact to request to paper-based assessment? I am jumping the gun a bit, as 
I haven't been given an appointment yet. I just want to put it out there so they will know my preferred choice  and the reason I've why I have requested it,
With this being my 2nd attempt applying for PIP, I am so concerned that I will muck the whole process, this is very possible too.
Based on their decision the 1st time around, I know I'm going to be guarded, which I know won't help my assessment.

I am on the safeguarding alert but I doubt this will make any difference to the assessment process, not only that I have no idea how to start a letter requesting a paper-based assessment. I know if I leave it to the last minute my anxieties will go through the roof.

You need to contact the health assessment providers. I think paper based assessments are everyone's preferred choice but whether this is what you will achieve is another matter. No harm is asking though. If there's enough of evidence they will do them but they are rare as most have asssessments which are either by phone, video call or face to face at an assessment centre.

As this is your 2nd attempt at applying did you challenge the first refusal? If not was there any reasons why?

arslan

Iv sent papers of could not do very well as don’t spell that good so my daughter just filled it in best we could and sent reward from first time from judge saying I qualify for pip now there asking same things yet again I got to wait and see if it gos well I’m dreading it anyone got any good news xx

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/932286#Comment_932286

This is an old thread that you've commented on from 2022. What stage of your PIP claim are you at? Is it a new claim, review of an existing award?