It cannot be assumed that in an individual case consent has been given or that consent previously given remains valid. Reports produced during consultations require the most content, as HPs will need to record the discussion, observed findings and conclusions from the consultation. 1.6.29 The HP should explore all the PIP activity areas for daily living and mobility, focusing on the activities most likely to be affected by the claimant's condition. When pain is a significant symptom we would expect the claimant to be able to describe the location, type, severity and variability of the pain they experience and the impact it has on their daily life. For example, some claimants with mental, intellectual, cognitive or developmental impairments may lack insight into their condition. When weighing up the evidence, it is important to highlight any contradictions and any evidence that does not sufficiently reflect the claimants health condition or impairment or the effect on their daily life. The health professional has already read your PIP form with the supporting evidence that you have to provide about your medical condition. If there is any doubt as to whether the consent is still valid, fresh consent should be sought. For example, they might ask you how you travelled to the assessment centre. 1.8.10 It is essential that the CM is made aware of the evidence the HP has used to complete the assessment report. 1.6.51 If the claimant is uncooperative during a consultation, the HP may terminate the consultation where they have gathered sufficient evidence to complete the assessment report and provide advice for the CM. someone goes out with you. 1.1.5 Claimants currently make an application for PIP by phone and once basic entitlement conditions are established, the claimant is asked to complete the How your disability affects you questionnaire, referred to in this guide as the claimant questionnaire. 1.9.6 If there is more than one relevant functional condition, the prognosis should take account of the effects of all conditions and the added impairment resulting from any interactions that may occur. 1.15.17 Where a claimant has an appointee, this will be flagged in the initial referral to the AP. 1.4.4 In the claimant questionnaire, claimants are encouraged to list the professionals who support them and are best placed to provide advice on their circumstances. Repeat claims to PIP by individuals who have developed a new condition will be treated as entirely new claim and have to fulfil the qualifying period of 3 months. 1.6.63 If it is only the claimants personal data that is being recorded then there are no restrictions on the use the claimant can make of the recording. The damning report conducted by the Public. HPs are required to advise on: which of the descriptors in the activities set out in the assessment criteria are relevant to the claimant, taking due consideration of variability and reliability, whether the functional impact of the claimants health condition(s) or impairment(s) has been present for at least 3 months and is likely to remain for at least 9 months, the appropriate time to review the claim, or indeed whether the claim will require a review, and whether the functional restriction identified in the report will be present at the point of any review, whether the claimant is likely to require additional support from the DWP in order to engage with future PIP claims processes. How do I ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration? PiP phone call - gave no points for mental health was created by Danielle. For urgent help, please see Help & contacts. In such cases the AP should contact the department for information. 1.7.5 If the claimant states that they are nearing the end of life when applying for PIP, they will be advised by the DWP to obtain form DS1500 from their GP, consultant or specialist nurse. to intervene on your behalf. 1.3.2 The claimant questionnaire and any evidence is scanned and saved in the Document Repository System (DRS). 1.9.3 Where a condition can fluctuate significantly over a period of time consideration should be given as to when a review would be appropriate. If you live in Great Britain, you can call the Department of Work and Pensions who are responsible for giving these benefits to eligible people at 0800 917 2222. This will ensure you are familiar with the journey, so you arrive in plenty of time and reduce the possibility of being stressed before your assessment. 1.7.16 Advice must be evidence based on the balance of probability. PIP assessors are looking for disability assessors that are licensed and trained for the assessment of disabilities either for physical disability or mental disability. 1.10.5 The HP should clearly outline their reasons for selecting the no review required option using the free text box for example, the claimants level of functional ability is stable and will not improve or deteriorate in the long term or the claimant is due to undergo surgery and it is likely they will no longer experience their current functional limitations in X months.. 1.15.34 It is important that in all telephone contact with claimants or their representatives, the correct person is being spoken to. This document must be read with the understanding that, as experienced practitioners and trained disability analysts, HPs will have detailed knowledge of the principles and practice of relevant consultation and examination techniques and therefore such information is not contained in this guidance. Score: 4.6/5 (69 votes) . Examples of these circumstances may be appropriate to: a claimant with severe depression and anxiety, with children under 18 providing care and support to the claimant, during the assessment, the claimant states that they are experiencing psychological/emotional abuse in their home, a vulnerable claimant states that they are about to be made homeless, adding to, or exasperating existing conditions. In addition, young people may have limited experience undertaking many activities unsupervised in an independent environment. The HP should explore how long it takes the claimant to carry out a task and whether they experience any symptoms such as pain, fatigue or anxiety, either during or after the activity. Any new evidence about how your condition affects your daily life, which you have not already sent to the DWP: A copy of your PIP claim form with you. In these cases, the AP and the DWP must ensure the claimant is not inadvertently advised of their prognosis. 1.4.17 The DWP currently pays for 2 specific forms of evidence: factual reports from GPs and GP- and consultant-completed DS1500s. PIP - Mind Where a claimant has a PAB they would not be classified as requiring additional support from DWP. Entitlement to PIP is about the wording in the test; the 10 daily living activities . Can I cancel something I've done when I'm unwell? Pip phone assessment Scope | Disability forum HPs may be able to observe relevant aspects of the claimant's appearance for example how well kempt they are and whether they look under or over weight, during face to face consultation. 1.5.5 Although each case should be determined individually, the following types of case should not normally require a consultation: the claimant questionnaire indicates a low level of disability, the information is consistent, medically reasonable and there is nothing to suggest under-reporting, the health condition(s) is associated with a low level of functional impairment, the claimant is under GP care only and there is no record of hospital admission. 1.6.64 A claimant may make a covert recording of the consultation without the HP being aware. your mental health condition makes using a bus or train difficult. If the HP decides that this is required, they should also determine any difficulties the claimant may have attending a consultation and any reasonable adjustments which need to be put in place (home visit, British Sign Language interpreter, ground floor consultation room, accessibility toilet). 30 September 2020 at 8:04AM in Disability money matters. In such cases the claimant may not be able to give an accurate account of their health condition or impairment, through a lack of insight or unrealistic expectations of their own ability. 1.3.7 Should the HP discover a case that appears to fall under the SREL provisions, it should be processed under the fast-tracked SREL arrangements. This free money management tool is specifically for people on Universal Credit. 1.12.4 During the gathering of initial claim information, claimants who are identified as requiring additional support from DWP will have an additional support (AS) marker attached to their case on PIPCS. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We have translated the site; would you prefer to read in Welsh? The HP should also include details of any alterations to medication which have occurred since the questionnaire or supporting evidence was supplied. 1.13.4 HPs should answer questions posed by the CM but must avoid giving any prescriptive advice that refers to possible benefit entitlement, as final decisions rest with the CM. Before treating a standard claim under the SREL process, the HP should take steps to discreetly gain an understanding of the level of knowledge the claimant has about their own condition and prognosis. Helps you take control of your household spending. The HP should use the free text box to clearly describe why they have selected the review point and the potential change to the claimants level of functional impairment that may lead to a review being necessary. Miss B was diagnosed with schizophrenia and fulfilled the PIP criteria for standard rate mobility component. If a claimant is unable to complete an activity or needs support to do so at a point in the day when you would reasonably expect them to complete it, the need should be treated as existing for the whole of the day, even if it does not exist at other points in the day. 1.4.9 The HP should also clarify whether any information provided by the professional is harmful or confidential. Contact a Welfare & Benefits Advisor if you need additional advice or support. A guide to answering PIP questions - OptimistMinds If a claimant cannot bend to put on their shoes, it is unlikely that they are able to wash below the waist. What does the assessor observe during the PIP assessment? You may be required to send medical proof of why you need to take the PIP assessment with questions on mental health in your home. She is under the mental health team who are treating her with combination therapy, including several medications and psychological therapy. Get help if you need it. 1.6.42 Clinical findings from a musculoskeletal examination should be recorded in plain English, for example able to place hands at the back of the head, able to reach above the head to help the CM understand the details of the examination. 1.2.1 The HPs role is to assess the overall functional effects of the claimants health condition or impairment on their everyday life over a 12 month period, using the assessment criteria. 1.13.7 HPs should use clerical form PA5 to provide supplementary advice that does not affect the descriptor choices or advice on prognosis in the original report. 1.3.11 HPs should also consider the needs of vulnerable claimants. However, the companions may play an active role in helping claimants answer questions where the claimant or HP wishes them to do so. PIP telephone assessment | Mental Health Forum Unanswered threads Talk with people who know what it's like! 1.15.6 For consent to be explicit it must be affirmed in a clear statement. This gives the claimant the opportunity to explain to the HP how their impairment or health condition affects them. 1.8.1 The assessment report is sent electronically through the PIPAT or clerically, where appropriate, using the following clerical forms: PA2 Review report form (Special Rules for End of Life), PA3 Review report form (paper-based review), PA6 Supplementary advice note (change of advice). 1.6.43 The assessment of mental function should be tailored to individual claimants and may take into account appearance and behaviour, speech, mood, depersonalisation/derealisation, thought, perception, cognitive function, insight and addictions. If you say you came alone on the train, theyll make a note that you can travel alone on public transport. 1.7.3 The criteria for SREL claims set out in legislation are that the claimant: is suffering from a progressive disease and death in consequence of that disease can reasonably be expected within 6 months. 1.15.36 Other than information about their appointments with the HP or an update on their current position in the assessment process, it is not the role of the AP to release information to the claimant. It is intended to supplement the contract documents agreed with APs as part of the commercial process, providing guidance for health professionals (HPs) carrying out assessment activity and for those responsible for putting in place and delivering processes to ensure the quality of assessments. Procedures to follow and sources of support and guidance should be covered in HP training. im glad so many people have been awarded pip,but to me mine was and still is depressing,i had my phone assessement on the 27th of january,ive had my condition still july 2020,my condition is osteoarthritis in both hips,i have lld,and these conditions affect my knees,groin,lower back,and basically pain all the way done to my ankles,i have to use 1.4.10 In all cases and on all forms the HP completes when giving advice, the HP should check their advice for any information which could be seriously harmful to the claimants health if it were disclosed for example, a poor prognosis that is unknown to the claimant or a diagnosis of a psychotic illness in a claimant who lacks insight into their condition. This document has been produced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide guidance for assessment providers (APs) carrying out assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This will include details of the claimants key supporting health professional and basic information about their mobility. Simply use the buttons below to share on your social network. The guide focuses specifically on the role of HPs in the assessment and the quality of their work. pip telephone call: hi everyone, had a - Fibromyalgia Acti 1.9.7 Age is not a medical cause of incapacity but it can be an indicator of disease progression. The HP should also take into account the variability of a claimants condition and their ability to carry out assessment activities in a reliable manner, justification of the advice, explaining the evidence used to inform the advice on descriptor choices, advice on the likely prognosis for the claimants condition, advice regarding whether the claimant may need additional support from the DWP to comply with future PIP claims processes. pip telephone assessment - Benefits and Work Forum 1.8.14 The advice must be able to stand up to challenge and the HP should draw out key evidence in support of their choice of descriptors in the report, drawing fact-based findings and/or well supported opinion from all of the evidence. Special category data includes the following (Article 9 (1) UK GDPR): personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, personal data revealing political opinions, personal data revealing religious or philosophical beliefs, personal data revealing trade union membership, biometric data (where used for identification purposes), data concerning a persons sexual orientation. 1.4.5 The HP should consider the most appropriate evidence for the case under consideration. At the end of your consultation, the Health Professional will complete an independent report and send it to the DWP. You have rejected additional cookies. 1.7.15 If the claimant is already in receipt of PIP and the case has been referred under SREL as a change of circumstances, the HP must include an indication of when the claimant first became terminally ill. Failure to provide this information may result in the advice being returned for rework. We are a friendly, safe community supporting each other's mental health 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are considered to not have much disability in certain activities, you should try some of the following activities: The assistance you will get can be a person or a pet or you might be accompanied by a driver to your car or the service might change your home to make you accommodate easily in your condition. The claimant or their representative may also be able to provide updated information on treatment received or planned. However, if findings are expressed as a measurement, the HP should put this into context for the CM by also describing the range with reference to the normal range of movement, for example he can turn his head to the right by 40 degrees, which is about half normal movement. He lives in supported accommodation and there has been no change to his functional ability in the last few years. PIP pretty much does not care. Well enough: For example, you may be able to make a meal, but you will not be able to eat it if it is undercooked. 1.4.18 APs are responsible for making payments for GP factual reports (GPFRs) where they have sought them, with the DWP reimbursing them the fees paid. What are my options for dealing with debt? The horror stories are, if anything, even worse than they were in May of this year. Prepare adequately with our free PIP assessment tips guide. Thus, in every case and before each instance that information is obtained or released, checks should be made to ensure valid consent is held. As it is probable that the peripheral neuropathy was due to diabetes he did not have to fulfil the 3 month qualifying period for either component as it would be considered he was suffering from substantially the same condition. (PIP) Assessment - Turn2us; Related Posts. You are most welcome to join today! The fact is though that the law says that no diagnosis is needed, so you just need to know where to look for this when it comes to an appeal. 1.3.5 The following referrals will be sent to APs: claims made under Special Rules for End of Life (SREL), claims that are being reviewed and where a DWP CM is unable to make a decision without input from a HP, for example. The PA6 may also be used for changes to advice that does not relate to descriptor choice, for example prognosis. So we give the right advice for you, can you answer which Nation you're from? You can state your needs here with regards to your debilitating condition. 1.6.52 Claimants have a right to be accompanied to a consultation if they so wish. 1.8.3 The nature of the information required in reports varies depending on the nature of the activity. This question does not signify your ability to walk. HPs must also consider the use of other treatments such as psychological therapies. routinely contact GPs of people with mental health problems claiming PIP. 1.7.30 If evidence that a claimant meets the Special Rules criteria is uncovered following receipt of the claimant questionnaire or additional evidence in a non-SREL claim, then advice should be given to the DWP that the claimant fulfils the criteria for SREL and the case should then be treated as an SREL referral. Personal Independence Payment statistics to January 2021 1.15.31 It will be for the individual professional to determine whether they wish to release information about the claimant to the HP. A registered and qualified healthcare professional will carry out your telephone Work Capability Assessment. 1.4.3 If a claimant presents further relevant evidence during a consultation which is not already on PIPCS, the HP should always consider its relevance when completing their assessment report. PIP Rates For Mental Health (A Brief Guide) | OptimistMinds Nine months later both lower limbs were amputated following gangrene secondary to peripheral neuropathy and he applied for PIP again. 1.6.72 Consultations may potentially be carried out at a variety of locations and some will need to be carried out at the claimants home. 1.8.4 For each activity area, the HP should use evidence to choose one descriptor which best reflects the claimant's ability to carry out an activity, taking into account whether they need to use aids or appliances and whether they need help from another person or an assistance dog. His diabetes was not well controlled and he had become depressed. 1.6.13 The HP should record a brief summary of treatments or interventions, and how effective it has been, and whether any further intervention, such as physiotherapy or a surgical procedure, is planned. The HP should not change the claim to a SREL claim. For example, if carrying out housework or walking outside would mean the claimant was unable to do anything else that day, this should be properly explored and recorded. What benefits are available for mental health carers? The illness that qualifies for PIP is the illness that is considered to be a long-term condition and this kind of condition should need regular support for needs and some may be limited in mobility. The contradicted everything that i had said, told many lies and the questions are designed to set you up..You must be very specific in everything you say, if you need prompting . | Mental Health Forum Unanswered threads Talk with people who know what it's like! PIP telephone assessment | Mental Health Forum In a reasonable time: Does it take you a lot longer to do the activity than it would take most people? 25p per mile) to help towards fuel. If the diagnosis is unclear the HP should record the condition as described by the claimant describing the symptoms, rather than trying to guess at the underlying pathology. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk. On rare occasions, it may not be possible to contact the GP or other relevant clinician to obtain advice. Which mental health conditions get PIP? 1.6.69 The HP has a duty to protect the confidentiality of the information obtained during the consultation. PIP telephone assessment nice timing - Mental Health Forum The HP should record when the condition began and give brief details of changes since it began. The HP should consider ability and fluctuations over a 12 month period to present a coherent picture. In such cases the claimant may not be able to give an accurate account of their health condition or impairment, through a lack of insight or unrealistic expectations of their own ability. 1.7.6 The DS1500 is the preferred medical evidence for a DWP SREL claim. However, it should be noted that the named appointee, be this a corporate or individual appointee, can nominate another person to represent them at any consultation. How your condition affects you from day-to-day make sure you read the. It should be recorded in the third person, and should make it clear that this is the claimant's story. To note: It is important that the HP ensures that valid verbal consent is obtained and recorded where appropriate. 1.7.27 The HP will be asked to consider the ESA evidence when providing advice to the DWP. PIP telephone assessment | Page 2 | Mental Health Forum 1.15.30 The HP should also ensure that the claimants health professional understands that a written record will be made of any information given during the telephone conversation and that this will be available to the patient at a later date unless there is harmful information. Information about telephone assessments - Health Assessment Advisory Pip telephone assessment experience. Lancashire. The HPs evaluation could include the level of expertise of the individual offering the opinion; their direct knowledge of the claimants health condition or impairment; and whether it is medically reasonable. Where an appointee has been nominated to represent the claimant, the claimant must not be instructed to attend a consultation by the AP. Nine months later both lower limbs were amputated following a road traffic accident and he applied for PIP again. These conditions are characterised by periods of remission and relapse or good days and bad, during which the level of functional impairment can change for example multiple sclerosis or chronic fatigue syndrome. It is essential that the HPs advice considers the details given by the claimant and the companion and whether one or both are understating or overstating the needs. Replied by BIS on topic Mental Health and PIP phone assessment. 1.7.28 Where it is felt that this is still insufficient, the HP would be asked to contact the health professional the claimant has identified on the claim form, to obtain information in order to advise the DWP. The CM will re-examine the facts of the case, the law and any other issues which applied when the decision was made. . Such a telephone call should be followed up with a written notification to the GP. The professional will then send it to DWP to check if you are eligible for the benefits. PIP for mental health | Industry News | Independent Living HPs should consider which professionals identified can provide useful evidence. There may be some activities that have been done for them all of their lives and that a young person without a health condition or impairment of the same age may do themselves. Where can I get support for my mental health? In such cases, where the available information is consistent, the HP should consider whether they can use their own expert clinical knowledge of the condition(s), its severity and known impact in other areas to determine, on the balance of probabilities, the likely impact in the remaining areas. Am I eligible for Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)? What you have difficulty with, or cant do at all - for example, leaving the house, socialising, cooking. It's not based on the condition you're in or the medication you're taking. More than once: Can you repeat the activity as many times as you need to? Atos and Capita are obligated to administer PIP medical assessments with questions on mental health to people who are applying for this benefit program. You are awarded points for each activity, based on your ability and how much help and assistance you need to do it. the evidence that underpins the HPs advice can include: the HPs knowledge of the disabling effects of the medical conditions. The HP should note in the report that they have explained the procedure to the claimant and obtained their consent to proceed. Award rates for all claims (excluding withdrawn cases) between April 2013 and January 2021 show that: 42% receive an award for normal rules new . How to claim PIP if you have stress, anxiety or depression and get up Dec 16, 2020 More than once: Can you repeat the activity as many times as you are required to? Getting the right support can mean that we won't face a financial . They should also include information where the claimant has given up work or changed their job due to the functional limitations of their health condition or impairment. They may also show discrepancies between the reported need and the actual needs of the claimant. How much Universal Credit can I get for mental health? Cost-of-living crisis and your mental health. The HP should indicate where any harmful information is contained in an assessment report, for example: the claimant is not aware of their condition and the PA X contains harmful information in supporting evidence or Part X of the GP factual report dated XXXX contains harmful information. How do I manage my money if I have mental health problems?