Teen Transition from DLA to PIP

SN27
SN27 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Contributor
edited November 20 in PIP, DLA, ADP and AA

Hi, has anyone recently experienced the PIP telephone assessment for a 16 year-old moving from DLA to PIP? I've been informed by an assessor at Capita that my child will have to attend the telephone assessment with me (the appointee). This will be extremely distressing for my child (diagnosed with autism), the conversation with the assessor will have to focus on all the negative traits and issues that my child faces and endeavours to mask from the world every day. I informed Capita of this but they said it's a new policy and my child must be on the call with me. This phone call will be horrifying for my child and could destroy their confidence. Anybody been through this recently? All advice greatly appreciated.

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  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 3,045 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @SN27 and a warm welcome to the community from me!

    I understand your concern, it's not a very nice process for a child to go through! I haven't heard of this new policy before but it doesn't sound fair at all.

    You should be able to request a paper based assessment instead if they are really insistent that your son needs to be there! Have you looked into this?

  • SN27
    SN27 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Contributor

    Thanks Mary, I appreciate your response. In late July I sent off a very thoroughly written PIP application form together with a letter from the Head of my child's Base plus the latest copy of their IEP. Is this what you mean by a paper based assessment?

    Yes, it seems very unfair.

    Thanks again.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,709 Championing

    Paper based assessments are done with minimal or no further input from the claimant.

    You can request one, but the assessment provider aren't obliged to say yes.

    For the future you can look at becoming their appointee.

    https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 3,045 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Not a problem @SN27

    Yes that does sound like a paper based assessment, it sounds like you've already provided lots of evidence for them.

    It may be worth writing to Capita/DWP explaining your child’s autism and distress with phone calls and then request reasonable adjustments so you (as appointee) can speak while your child participates minimally.

    It's also good to include any supporting evidence such as clinical, psychologist, or school reports that show how your child masks or finds phone assessments or speaking on the phone distressing specifically.

    It also may be helpful to ask for confirmation in writing of how the call will be structured so you and your child can feel prepared.

  • SN27
    SN27 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Contributor

    Thank you for this advice, I think I'll write to DWP and explain the anxiety this is causing accompanied by evidence. Worth a try.

    So sad that a young person with autism is put under pressure like this. As if people with ASD don't have enough to contend with in society!

    Thanks again, I'll write that letter. Much appreciated.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,709 Championing

    You need to contact the assessment company (Capital), DWP won't be able to help they are waiting on the assessment report.

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