Teen Transition from DLA to PIP

SN27
SN27 Community Member Posts: 8 Contributor
edited November 2025 in PIP, DLA, ADP & 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: 4,676 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 Community Member Posts: 8 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 Community Member Posts: 8,726 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: 4,676 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 Community Member Posts: 8 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 Community Member Posts: 8,726 Championing

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

  • SN27
    SN27 Community Member Posts: 8 Contributor

    I thought I'd update this thread.

    It was a process that started in July 2025 and finally concluded (until next time) in April 2026.

    I didn't end up contacting DWP or Capita again. I was already an appointee, had submitted a very thorough PIP application together with evidence and had informed Capita my child (mc) would find the phone call assessment distressing. I didn't think there was much more I could do except wait for the telephone appointment. In the meantime I had to have an uncomfortable conversation with mc that they would need to talk to a stranger about all the challenges they face on a daily basis, but I constantly reassured that they are amazing & wonderful, and this process did not mean they were in any way less than, and that we all have our challenges. However, no amount of empowering encouragement made the impending assessment any less daunting for mc.

    In February 2026 we finally got an appointment date, we were given 10 days notice. The interviewer was very nice, was kind and patient. Mc was at ease and able to answer the questions without too much distress. The telephone assessment took 1hr15 and it was exhausting.

    We finally received a letter that mc would receive PIP in mid April. What a relief.

    The whole process took 10 months. It has been a constant dark cloud hanging over us, stressful and anxiety-inducing. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm sure the PIP process is different for everybody but I hope our experience enlightens those going through it, and helps in some way. I wish you the very best of luck on your PIP journey.

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 4,676 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Thank you for the update @SN27.

    That confirmation letter must have felt like a total weight off your shoulders! I hope you and your child are doing okay now and have been able to settle since getting the news.

  • Ruby1977
    Ruby1977 Community Member Posts: 7 Listener

    I’m my 16 year old appointee, we had a paper based assessment 11/5 ( first pip claim since having high rate DLA in both care & mobility). The assessor from ingeus sent the assessment on same day 11/5. But I’ve heard nothing. I don’t know if it’s a good thing they done a paper review with NO assessment etc. I did her help with form from my local MENCAP. I’m a nervous wreck waiting because I had to take DLA to court and won, I don’t know if I can go through it all again so soon.

  • SN27
    SN27 Community Member Posts: 8 Contributor

    Hi Ruby, given that your child was getting high rates in both, that you previously took DLA to court and won, plus have had Mencap assist you with this process, I would be shocked if your child didn't receive PIP.

    That said, it is a horrible, stressful, awful waiting game and our kids need all the help they can get in life.

    If the worst case scenario happened, based on your previous win you are undoubtedly strong enough to fight again. In the meantime please try not to worry too much (easier said than done, I know) the dark cloud over you is only temporary. I wish you all the best Ruby, stay strong.

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