Understanding the PIP Assessment

As part of a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim, most people will be asked to take part in an assessment.

The purpose of the assessment is to understand how your health condition or disability affects your daily life and mobility. It is not a medical examination or a test that you can pass or fail.

The assessment helps the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decide whether you qualify for PIP and, if so, what level of award you should receive.

The assessment allows the DWP to gather information about:

• How your condition affects you day to day.
• The support you need from others.
• Any difficulties you experience with daily living activities.
• Any difficulties you have with mobility.

The assessment focuses on how your condition affects your ability to carry out specific activities rather than the name of your medical condition.

Assessments may take place:

• By telephone.
  
• By video call.
• Face to face.
• Occasionally on paper, without an assessment, if enough evidence is available.

You will be informed in advance about how your assessment will be conducted.

The assessor is likely to ask questions about your daily life and the difficulties you experience.

This may include questions about:

• Preparing and cooking food.
• Eating and drinking.
• Washing and bathing.
• Dressing and undressing.
• Using the toilet.
• Managing medication or treatment.
• Communicating with others.
• Reading and understanding information.
• Making financial decisions.
• Mobility Activities

This may include questions about:

• Planning and following journeys.
• Using public transport.
• Walking and moving around.
• Pain, fatigue or breathlessness when moving.

It's important to explain:

• What you can do.
• What you struggle to do.
• How often difficulties occur.
• What support you need.
• How long tasks take.
• Any pain, fatigue, anxiety or distress involved.

Be honest about your situation and avoid downplaying the impact of your condition.

Many health conditions fluctuate.

If your condition varies, explain:

• How often you have good days.
• How often you have bad days.
• What happens on your bad days.
• How your condition affects your ability to carry out activities consistently.

The DWP should consider how your condition affects you for the majority of the time.

When considering PIP, activities must be assessed based on whether you can complete them:

• Safely.
• To an acceptable standard.
• Repeatedly.
• Within a reasonable time.

For example, if you can prepare a meal but doing so causes significant pain, exhaustion or risk, this should be explained during your assessment.

Yes.

You can usually have someone with you during the assessment, such as:

• A family member.
• Friend.
• Carer.
• Support worker.

They may be able to help explain how your condition affects you and provide additional information if needed.

Supporting evidence may include:

• GP letters.
• Hospital reports.
• Consultant letters.
• Occupational therapy reports.
• Care plans.
• Mental health support plans.
• Prescription information.
• Letters from carers or support workers.

The more relevant evidence you can provide, the easier it may be to demonstrate how your condition affects your daily life.

The assessor will prepare a report for the DWP.

The DWP will then:

• Review your assessment report.
• Consider your supporting evidence.
• Make a decision about your claim.

You will receive a decision letter explaining:

• Whether you qualify for PIP.
• Which component(s) have been awarded.
• The rate of payment.
• How long the award will last.

If you think the decision is wrong, you have the right to challenge it.

The first step is to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, where the DWP reviews the decision.

If you still disagree after the review, you may be able to appeal to an independent tribunal.

Many PIP decisions are changed following a challenge, particularly where additional evidence is provided.

1. Read through your application before the assessment.
2. Think about the difficulties you face on a typical day.
3. Give real-life examples where possible.
   
4. Be honest and accurate.
5. Explain any pain, fatigue, anxiety or support needs.
6. Don't assume the assessor understands your condition.
7. Keep copies of any documents you submit.

Our advisors can help you:

• Understand the PIP assessment process.
• Gather supporting evidence.
• Prepare for your assessment.
• Request a Mandatory Reconsideration.
• Appeal a PIP decision.

Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.