Pip assessment on Monday

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

I am dreading my pip assessment on Monday the 5th of August as I am already on pip standard care but no mobility and my physical condition and mental health issues have worsened since I was awarded it in march 2019 backdated from November 2018 and I was told by pip to fill in another form as by law u have to tell them if you're condition gets better or worse of which mines has definitely worsened I have been told I could lose everything of what I am on and I think that's totally unfair if you have been assessed at the time and u get standard care now then u could be reassessed and lose it all how can that be if you're conditions have worsened ? I can't afford to lose my pip of what I am on at the moment any advice from anyone thanks ?

poppy123456 · August 2019

Hi,

For a worsening of condition you must have experienced those changes for at least 3 months, if not then they won't be able to take those into consideration until that time has passed.

Yes, you should report changes in circumstances but before doing this you should also check whether or not you can score more points for a higher award. A worsening of condition doesn't mean you'll automatically be entitled to a higher award and there's very little point in reporting those conditions if it's not possible to score more points. I also advise people to get expert face to face advice before reporting a worsening of condition.

It's very risky report changes because you can go on to lose everything you already have. Of course your award could remain the same or you could be awarded a higher.

As you've only very recently been assessed for PIP then hopefully it will still be fresh in your memory. You'll be asked questions based on how your conditions affect you and you'll need to verify what you've written on the form. Evidence will be needed to support your worsening condition. Do be aware that you'll be watched from the minute you arrive.

If you live in the UK a week after the assessment you can ring DWP to request a copy of the assessment report to be sent to you. This will give you some idea what the decision is likely to be because they mostly go with the report.

Good luck.

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Thank you for your reply l have appointment letters from pain management at the hospital of which I have got to get facet medial blocks injections in my spine 8 of them over the course of 12 months a letter from my GP confirming all my medical history and prescription drugs of which have changed from my last assessment in Feb 19 plus my mental health issues that I have councelling for letter from them plus I need a walking aid now and I have lost 2 jobs since i came off long term ESA in November 2018 of which I was on since 2012 and both jobs ended because of my disability/ conditions I hope that should be enough evidence to suggest my physical and mental state has worsened since my last assessment

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Has anyone been reassessed because there conditions have worsened and they have lost out thanks ? plus if you are going for another assessment does the examiner already know if you are on pip and if not is it worthwhile taking in your original pip award letter with u to give the assessor as I have mine on Monday and I am dreading it if I am being honest even though my physical and mental health conditions have worsened since my last assessment I had in February ! can someone try and put my mind at ease please thank you ?

April2018mom · August 2019

Send photocopies of letters and reports via recorded delivery. My son’s amazing social worker told me to do this. Best decision ever made really. Do you have someone who can act as your advocate on the day or not? Once a week has passed, call DWP to ask politely for a copy of the report to be sent to you.
Prepare well. Act confident and answer all questions truthfully. Give as many examples as you can. Describe what happens on a day to day basis at home etc. Also report changes in your circumstances. But before you do so, check that the worsening of your impairments does adversely affect your ability to remain independent.
There is no point in applying if not.

poppy123456 · August 2019

RABSTER_78 said:

Has anyone been reassessed because there conditions have worsened and they have lost out thanks ? plus if you are going for another assessment does the examiner already know if you are on pip and if not is it worthwhile taking in your original pip award letter with u to give the assessor as I have mine on Monday and I am dreading it if I am being honest even though my physical and mental health conditions have worsened since my last assessment I had in February ! can someone try and put my mind at ease please thank you ?

Stories i've read have suggested that some report changes and they are successfully awarded higher and some have gone on to lose everything they already have.

As previously advised, a worsening of condition doesn't automatically entitle you to a higher award. You must also have experienced the worsening conditions for at least 3 months.

At this point no one can ease your mind because no one knows how your conditions affect you, the only person that knows this is yourself.

When you filled out the form hopefully you put as much information as possible and added some real life examples of what happened the last time you attempted that activity for each descriptor that applies to you.

During the assessment you'll have to confirm what you wrote in the report, along with any other information they ask for.

During my 2nd PIP assessment the HCP new i was already claiming PIP and she new what award i already had. I don't know if this is the case for everyone. My daughters PIP review the first assessment report was mentioned in the end assessment report (she had a paper based assessment) so yes, they knew she already had an award and what points she scored.

Whether you take someone with you or not, if they aren't your appointee then you'll have to answer the questions yourself, in your own words.

All you can do is attend the assessment and answer those questions honestly. Wait a week and request the report and see what's been recommended. If you're not happy then you'll have 1 month from the date of the decision to request the Mandatory Reconsideration.

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Thanks poppy your advice is much appreciated ! I will always be honest with what I suffer from and I will always answer any questions I am asked by the assessment nurse in an honest and truthful way of how these conditions affect me on a daily basis

Chloe_Scope · August 2019

Welcome to the community @RABSTER_78 and I hope today went okay!

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Yeah think it went well Chloe thanks ! the assessment nurse seemed nice a young girl and today was a bad day on my physical and mental health if am honest as I was struggling with both she asked me questions about my care and mobility and my son's mum came to the assessment with me and she helped to answer alot of things for me like having to remind me about things plus do my shopping and things and she also said I have really went downhill since April this year and the nurse also knew I had been awarded pip when I went to my last assessment in Feb and it's detoriated alot both physically and mentally since then ! I did turn up unshaved and a bit untidy to the assessment as I know they judge u on your appearance of which I think is wrong so I wanted to show the nurse of what a typical day is like for me plus I use a walking stick now where as my last assessment in Feb I didn't ! I am just hoping she is honest about what me and my son's mum told her and she is honest of what she puts on the notes as we were honest with her Chloe she seemed to have a caring and understanding nature but then again you hear horrible things about these f2f assessment's Chloe I hope I get the support I need to live independently

poppy123456 · August 2019

Leave it a week then ring DWP for a copy of the assessment report. That will give you some idea what the decision is likely to be because they mostly go with the report.

Your current award will continue until a decision's been made on this. Good luck.

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Thanks Chloe I did say I really hope they don't mess up my original award as I was really nervous and I said I was advised by GP to let pip know when my physical and mental health conditions worsened as my GP knew I was already on standard care rate and that's when I contacted pip in may and she did say I don't think that will happen as it's quite clear seeing you and what I have been told today that you have got worse ! do you think they just say that to keep you happy Chloe thanks ?

poppy123456 · August 2019

They are not supposed to tell you anything like this during the assessment, it really annoys me when they do. Hopefully they are true to their word and the report will reflect this. Other than requesting the report next week, you've done everything you can do for now.

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Hi I wonder if someone can answer me on this I went to my face to face assessment 2 week's ago as my physical and mental health conditions have worsened since I went to my first face to face February this year and I was awarded standard care of pip but nothing on mobility ! I called pip today to see if a decision had been made yet to which she said they haven't received my assessment back from capita as yet ! I called capita an hour ago and they said it was ready to be sent on to the dwp decision maker anytime now my question is why are capita holding on to my assessment since I had mine 2 week's ago I was under the impression all capita do is assess you then after the assessment send it over to the dwp decision maker for a decision sounds to me as if it's capita that is making the decision about your award not the dwp is there any truth in that thanks ? as I don't like the idea of capita holding on to my assessment for over 2 week's before they pass it on to the dwp any reason why they would do that thanks as I am feeling more anxious now than I did after my assessment and I know I shouldn't have to be worried as I know my conditions have worsened thanks ?

pollyanna1052 · August 2019

maybe the delay is due to the back log of reports the assessors have to do, before they send it to DWP...maybe

poppy123456 · August 2019

@RABSTER_78 it's most likely been in an audit, if this happens then it delays the process in returning it to DWP. There's no timescales how long a report can be in audit for. Once the audit is complete it will be returned to DWP.

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Thank you both that makes me feel a little bit better ! I do suffer from trust issues and I certainly don't trust anything the assessment nurse or the DWP say as I always think they will do anything to not give you the financial support I need and know I should have so I can start to live independently

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Hi team I received a text message at 8.30 this morning from the DWP saying that they have received my written pip report from my assessment that I had with a health care professional nearly 3 weeks ago and my assessment will be looked at by a decision maker and I should get a reply within 6 weeks but not to call them before that or to say my conditions have worsened ! my question is why have capita taken nearly 3 weeks to send there report of as all they are meant to do I assume is ask you questions about your day to day life and then send it off to the dwp decision maker can anyone tell me why so long to send it thanks ? I have just got a horrible feeling that they take that long as to make things up on the report and don't put in what I or my companion that came to support me said maybe I am far out with the way I am thinking but I have serious trust issues with people I don't know due to my mental health issues thanks if someone can clarify anything on this ?

Chloe_Scope · August 2019

Hi @RABSTER_78, I understand that this can be a very stressful time. Unfortunately it can sometimes take this long for them to receive it. If you would also like a copy of the report you would be able to ring up now and ask for one. This will give you an indication of the outcome.

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Thanks Chloe I just don't know why it's with the health accessors for nearly 3 weeks before they send it off to the dwp decision maker as I hear stories about people's face to face assessments going to audit that's why I was asking Chloe

Chloe_Scope · August 2019

It is very possible that it has been audited. Or there just might have been a backlog.

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

I don't like the sign that it has been audited as the health professional seemed nice and honest of what I and my companion that came to support me had to say Chloe I don't like that word audited as it sounds to me like they don't believe you or what the assessment nurse puts on there notes

Chloe_Scope · August 2019

An audit is not to check your information, quite the opposite. It's to ensure the assessor is writing the reports correctly. An audit is carried out at random and not based on your information.

pollyanna1052 · August 2019

do the assessors give points or is it the decision makers?

Chloe_Scope · August 2019

The assessor will give their recommendations (which can be found on the report if you request a copy) and then it is up to the decision maker to read through the evidence and the report and make the final decision. However, they go with the recommendations the majority of the time.

I hope this helps.

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

I have just called pip and asked them to send me a copy of the assessment and they also said while they got my details it's still showing that they are looking at a change whatever that means

Chloe_Scope · August 2019

Hi @RABSTER_78, have you received the report?

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Not yet I only asked for it Friday Chloe

Chloe_Scope · August 2019

Ah okay! Thanks for letting us know and I hope you get it soon!

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Hi just a quick update I received my report from my medical assessment yesterday some of it was lies specially regarding my mental health issues so reading it looks like I won't score any points on it but on the care side of things I have worked out that I have scored 9 points according to the pip website and on mobility the medical nurse has said I can stand and move 1 metre but no more than 20 metres either aided or unaided so most days I can't move more than 20 metres readily and according to that pip site I have scored 12 points so that would be higher mobility ! would the DWP decision maker go by that assessment and if you get the highest award for mobility surely you should get the highest award on care also as I can't move more than 20 metres outside so surely that applies to me when am indoors ? and if I do get the highest award for mobility will that help me get on the support group for universal credit as they have deemed me fit for work and I appealed through the mandatory reconsideration but it never got overturned so I have appealed to the first tier tribunal of which I received a letter 3 weeks ago from the tribunal and HM courts to say they have received my appeal and they will write to the dwp for them to prepare there paperwork but community law who are acting on my behalf on this universal credit appeal has said to me that if I get awarded the highest mobility on the 20 metre thing it would most definitely help me appeal as I can't be expected to work on that ruling any advice on that please team thanks ?

poppy123456 · August 2019

They usually go with the report, it's rare to go against it but it can happen.

Enhanced mobility doesn't mean you're entitled to Enhanced daily living because moving around outside isn't part of the daily living criteria. Daily living is all about washing/dressing/preparing food/engaging with others/managing toilet needs etc.

The work capability assessment criteria for mobilising (walking) is different to PIP. For the WCA they take into consideration your ability to use a self propel wheelchair, PIP doesn't do this. If you are awarded Enhanced mobility there's no harm in sending the award and assessment report to HMCTS.

RABSTER_78 · August 2019

Ok thanks for that Poppy I just hope the decision maker does her job right and goes by the recommendation's of the assessment nurse report and not lie so not to give you the award you are entitled to poppy ?

poppy123456 · August 2019

It's very rare they go against the report, i really wouldn't worry, or at least try not to. Hopefully a decision won't be too long but of course there's no timescales.

Chloe_Scope · September 2019

Hi @RABSTER_78, like Poppy has said, they do tend to go with the report. I hope you won't be waiting too long!

worried33 · September 2019

great news on the report @RABSTER_78, I wish you the best of luck on the decision.

RABSTER_78 · September 2019

Hi team I had my face to face assessment on the 5th of August and a SMS text message from the DWP to confirm that they have received the health professional assessment report on the 22nd of August then today I missed a call from the pip I called them back and the woman said that someone called me to ask about dates that my physical and mental health conditions worsened and I said I can't remember the actual date but I know my physical health has got worse since I applied for pip on November 2018 and I had my first face to face assessment in February 2019 of which I was awarded standard pip but nothing on mobility and it was may this year I spoke to pip to say that my mental health and physical health has worsened so I was then told that I would need to fill out another form and send in all the evidence to support my claim that was all done then I was asked to go to a face to face assessment on the 5th of August and I requested the health professional assessment report of which going by what she put I have enough points for standard care and she put on the mobility that I can stand and move 1 metre but no more than 20 metres either aided or unaided reliably of which is enhanced mobility so I thought it would be a case of the DWP decision maker looking at the assessment report and the recommendations of what was in it and go by that but to get a call to ask about dates worries me as I think they are trying to wriggle out of giving my award on both parts or I am just being paranoid ? can someone please put some light on this matter why would a decision maker call you asking about dates when I have put everything on the form sent gp and consultants letters my medication list and been to a face to face assessment and told them everything am worried sick and am stressing at them calling me to ask about dates or is this normal thanks for any advice team ?

david235 · September 2019

I suspect the issue is simply a need to establish a clear timeline about your deterioration, @RABSTER_78 . The law states PIP cannot be paid until the problem has existed for 3 months at the stated severity, and the problem must be expected to last at least 9 months after those first 3 months.

poppy123456 · September 2019

I agree with @david235 here that it sounds like it's the timeline of your worsening of condition that they are looking at here. Of course we can only guess and you'll still need to wait for the decision to be made.

RABSTER_78 · September 2019

Ok thanks team although I had my first face to face assessment in February 2019 I have stated my physical condition has worsened monthly since I applied for pip November 2018 and I contacted pip again in the middle of may this year to say my condition has worsened and I have been referred to pain management because of it I also said this has affected my mental health because of the pain and changes of medication and lack of sleep but something tells me they are trying to get out of awarding me my pip on both parts of care and mobility even though it my physical condition will certainly last more than 9 months I am surprised as why they have waited till I have had my face to face assessment I had in August to ask me about dates why not say anything to me before when I sent my form and medical evidence in at the end of June ? it just seems they are looking for loopholes not to pay me and because the health professional scored me high on mobility do you think this might be the case thanks ? as I have hardly slept with worry because of this call I received

david235 · September 2019

I very much doubt DWP are looking for loopholes. The problem is that your condition has been rapidly deteriorating ("worsening monthly" as you put it) but the Decision Maker has to try to fix the date where you first met the criteria for a higher level of benefit so that he or she can award you that higher level from 3 months after that date.

The law gives no flexibility here - entitlement to a particular rate of PIP only starts after the criteria for a particular rate of a component has been met for 3 months and there must be a reasonable expectation of you continuing to meet those criteria for 9 months after that iniitial 3 months.

RABSTER_78 · September 2019

thanks for that David I know I went for my first face to face assessment roundabout 20th February 2019 and I was awarded standard care of pip on the 8th of march 2019 even though I was going to appeal as I knew my mobility was getting worse but I was told if I appeal I could lose everything so I left it but after losing my job in April due to my health I was advised to contact pip and tell them of my worsening conditions of which were affecting my day to day activities of which I contacted pip around the middle of may and that's when I was told to fill in another form so by the time I received that it was nearly the end of may so what worries me know is it going to go against me coz I had my pip assessment around about 20th February 2018 and I contacted pip around the middle of may as I don't think that's a full 3 months ? but by the time I contacted them and had my face to face assessment it would be going on 5 months and yet on my health assessment report she has put these conditions have been going on 3 months and more than likely last 9 months so that's why I am puzzled why they called me asking about a specific date not month thanks team

poppy123456 · September 2019

When reporting a change of circumstances for a worsening of condition if you're awarded a higher rate then they usually backdate you the money from the date you reported the change, if the changes took place after 3 months.

For you the decision of your current claim took place on 8th March and you reported the changes in middle of May, that's not 3 months from the date of the decision. If they go with the report and mostly they do then you most likely won't be backdated to the date you reported the changes because of the 3 month rule. If they go with the report, you may receive some backdated money but not the full amount.

RABSTER_78 · September 2019

Ok thanks poppy I wasn't sure but I thought when looking at the health professional report she put on that these conditions have been going on 3 months or more and more than likely last more than 9 months so if they go by the report it would be 5 months since I was awarded standard care of pip on march 8th until I had my second face to face assessment on the 5th of August ? do you think the decision maker will look into its been going on 3 months and more than likely last more than 9 months according to the health professional report or is there a chance they could cancel my application because it's not been 3 months since 8th of march since I was awarded standard care of pip and make me apply again am worried sick now as I have been waiting since may to hopefully receive the care and mobility award I know I need to live independently poppy thanks ?

poppy123456 · September 2019

You would have had the worsening conditions for 3 months by the time the assessment took place which is why that box was ticked but the 3 month rule won't apply from the time you reported those changes.

RABSTER_78 · September 2019

Ok poppy so it's more than likely I won't get the award then and I would have to reapply now thanks ?

poppy123456 · September 2019

No, that's not what we are trying to say. As advised, they mostly go with the report so it's very likely you will be awarded what's recommended in the report BUT it may not be backdated to the date you reported the worsening of conditions.

RABSTER_78 · September 2019

Thanks poppy I feel a bit better now hearing that as it's been a tough time these past 6 months with my physical and mental health conditions and losing my job in April because of it ! so if I was awarded pip on march 8th this year and the 3 months would take it till June 8th if I get awarded enhanced mobility or care would they backdate it from the 8th of June as that would trigger the 3 months from my original award poppy so to ask and be a pain as getting some backdated money would help me to get a new orthopaedic mattress so I can try and get some sort of a decent sleep thanks poppy ?

poppy123456 · September 2019

Potentially the 8th June yes. It will be the difference between your existing award and the new award, so backdated the Enhanced mobitlity rate. Of course you'll still need to wait for the decision letter to know for sure. Hopefully not too much longer.

RABSTER_78 · September 2019

thanks poppy that sort of clears it up why they called me yesterday about dates ! at the end of the day it's about me being recognised as having disabilities and have struggles with day to day activities and getting the financial support to help me to live independently is the most important thing poppy and having that extra financial help always makes life that little bit better ! hopefully it won't be long to hear back now as they must be dealing with my claim now going by the call yesterday poppy ?

RABSTER_78 · September 2019

Called pip earlier and the woman said that my pip assessment is with a case manager and she said it wasn't about the award it's the date's but she said I see on the system you have scored enhanced on mobility and standard on care and she said that the would normally go by the health professional report and additional evidence I have sent in ! and hopefully you will get news on your award soon so fingers crossed

worried33 · September 2019

@RABSTER_78 near the back of the report there is two big tickboxes.

"The functional restriction affecting the mobility/daily living activties identified in this is likely to have been present for:"

One is for mobility and the other is for daily living.

Did the assessor tick the "at least 3 months" box?

RABSTER_78 · September 2019

yes I have just checked as both of mobility and care state that they have been presented for at least 3 months is that good thanks ?

poppy123456 · September 2019

worried33 said:

@RABSTER_78 near the back of the report there is two big tickboxes.

"The functional restriction affecting the mobility/daily living activties identified in this is likely to have been present for:"

One is for mobility and the other is for daily living.

Did the assessor tick the "at least 3 months" box?

That's not the exact issue here. The issue is potentially when the money will be backdated to because the decision made on the existing claim and the date the changes were reported for this claim isn't 3 months. Therefore backdated money will most likely not be paid from the date the changes were reported. It will be from June, if you read through the thread.

RABSTER_78 · September 2019

That's exactly what I was thinking poppy as I said I was told yesterday by pip it's not the award that's the problem it's the date as I was awarded standard care of pip on march the 8th this year and I reported the changes I think it was 20th of may so I will wait and see the outcome as they must be dealing with my case now if I am was called for the dates so hopefully get my decision soon poppy

worried33 · September 2019

Sorry but I dont see anything clearly stating thats what they specifically looking at just the vague term "dates", that the posts have been hard to read and its very easy for things to get misunderstood.

I dont see why there would be a confusion to start date, as the start date is the date you informed them of the change, which is why I asked you to check those boxes, you have already checked the descriptors, so I dont understand why you cant just look at those two boxes, and see which are ticked. Its much easier to do than what you have already done which is to check the descriptors.

Never mind I see he stated that the boxes were ticked, missed it as the posts are hard to read but would have been easier if just said yes to my question.

poppy123456 · September 2019

worried33 said:

I dont see why there would be a confusion to start date, as the start date is the date you informed them of the change, which is why I asked you to check those boxes, you have already checked the descriptors, so I dont understand why you cant just look at those two boxes, and see which are ticked. Its much easier to do than what you have already done which is to check the descriptors.

Never mind I see he stated that the boxes were ticked, missed it as the posts are hard to read but would have been easier if just said yes to my question.

As previously explained. It's the 3 month waiting period that is most likely in question here for the backdated money. The 3 month box being ticked in the report has nothing to do with the backdated money.

When the assessment took place the 3 month wait had already passed so that's why it's ticked. The HCP wouldn't have known when the decision was made on the existing claim or when the change in circumstances were reported.

When reporting a change of circumstances if the worsening of condition has been present for at least 3 month since making the call then it will be backdated. If not it will be backdated from the date of the 3 months.

Pip assessment on Monday

Replies