Can you request a phone assessment instead of face to face?

StillIRise
StillIRise Online Community Member Posts: 181 Empowering
I have received the dreaded WCA referral letter and will soon receive a UC50 form.  Although in the past I've had paper-based assessments at least twice, obviously there's no guarantee. 

My MH issues have made it impossible for me to navigate any journey alone and I don't have anyone who can come with me to a face to face assessment.  I do have a Carer who attends my home every day to do my cooking and help me dress, but she's not allowed to do anything aside from that and she's not allowed to attend benefits assessments with me (already asked).  I am not in a fit mental state to go anywhere by myself.  I have had to miss funerals, christenings and weddings due to my inability to go anywhere.

So what if DWP try to make me do an in-person face to face assessment?  Can I request a phone assessment instead?   My PIP assessment was done on the phone and was OK.  I would also be able to do a video assessment if these are offered.

All my psychotherapy, GP appointments and psychiatrist appointments are done either by video or by phone.  

Anyone know if I can ask for a phone assessment?

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,456 Championing
    Most are by telephone anyway. Some are face to face or video. If you do need an assessment and it's not by telephone, just contact Health Assessment Advisory Service to ask for a telephone one.
  • StillIRise
    StillIRise Online Community Member Posts: 181 Empowering
    paries1 said:
    That’s exactly what I’ll be doing too 
    Is a phone assessment your preference?
  • StillIRise
    StillIRise Online Community Member Posts: 181 Empowering
    paries1 said:
    I’ve just read on the forum that someone on ESA has received a reassessment , so it seems they are selecting some from that group too for reassessments. 


    Yes I just read that as well. Seems nobody is safe from the re-start of reviews.