This part of the assessment is an opportunity for you to explain your needs face-to-face. You will need to contact the assessment provider and request a home assessment. 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. The physical exam will only involve you performing simple movements, if relevant to your condition and within your capabilities. However, in cases of doubt HPs may be asked for advice, based on their knowledge of the disabling effects of physical and mental health conditions and considering the evidence of the case. 1.6.69 The HP has a duty to protect the confidentiality of the information obtained during the consultation. In these cases, it may be particularly important to distinguish between what a young person can or could do for themselves and what the parent does for them as part of their caring role. the evidence that underpins the HPs advice can include: the HPs knowledge of the disabling effects of the medical conditions. The supplementary advice option will be used where the report overall is fit for purpose but there is a need for some aspects to be clarified further. 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. 1.6.7 Throughout consultations, the HP should: use clear language that the claimant will readily understand, for sighted claimants, during face to face assessments, body language should be positive for example, sitting to face the claimant, maintaining good eye contact, nodding to indicate understanding of what is being said and leaning forward towards the claimant from time to time, when recording information on any computer systems, the HP should ensure that they look up frequently from the screen and maintain eye contact, for blind and partially sighted claimants, the HP should explain what they are doing at each stage of the assessment. 1.8.19 A properly justified report should contain the following: a brief summary of the individuals health conditions or impairment and their severity, a clear explanation of the reasons for the advice contained in the report including; referencing evidence used to support descriptor choices, explanations where the HPs opinion differs from those of the claimant, carers or other health professionals, clarification of any contradictions and an explanation of the HPs choice of evidence relied upon. The copy of the evidence or HP notes from the evidence should be sent to the CM with the completed report. The HP should not change the claim to a SREL claim. Most people have to take the PIP medical assessment with questions on mental health to get this benefit program. It's important you prepare - the DWP will use evidence from the assessment to decide if you can get PIP. 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. GMC guidance is clear that if a doctor insists on a copy of the original claimant consent then DWP must provide it. Feb 3, 2021. Notes on what you want to explain during your assessment. HPs may, however, flag that a DWP CM will make a decision on benefit entitlement based on the evidence available in the case and it is important that they have access to the best evidence. 1.13.8 If there are changes to the descriptor choice, the HP should complete clerical form PA6 to highlight the evidence used to support any changes and provide full justification for their choice. If the data is sensitive/ special personal data, UK GDPR sets a higher standard for consent which is explained further below (paragraph 1.15.5). How do I pay for private treatment and therapy? 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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. Failure to provide this may result in the advice being returned for clarification or rework. These people already have appropriate support. 1.6.59 At a face to face assessment, the claimant must sign a consent form in which they agree to not use the audio recording for unlawful purposes. For example, asthma control is poor because of failure to take preventative medication regularly due to the development of depression, resulting in mobility problems. 1.3.10 The HP should document a fully justified choice of further action taken during the initial review, providing this to DWP as part of the case documentation. What benefits are available for mental health carers? What is a PIP assessment? 1.6.8 The approach should be relaxed, allowing the claimant time and encouraging them to talk about themselves and put across the impact of their health condition or disability in their own words. You should check for yes if you have one of the following conditions: This is another sample PIP assessment question on mental health: Are you unable to go out because of severe anxiety or distress?YesNoSometimes. 1.4.1 Additional evidence from professionals supporting the claimant should be sought where the HP feels it would help to inform their advice to DWP. You can learn more about having an assessment at home by buying this book on this website. 1.15.23 The position that proof of consent is not required is supported by the General Medical Council (GMC), which advises that: you may accept an assurance from an officer of a government department or agency, or a registered health professional acting on their behalf, that the patient or a person properly authorised to act on their behalf has consented. Consideration should also be given to whether, as a result of the claimants health condition or impairment, the claimants companion or advocate may be better placed to describe their needs. 1.15.11 In any case where consent is over 2 years old, action should be taken to confirm that it still reflects the claimants wishes. 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. You can search for your State Pension age on the GOV.UK website.You must also have the following requirements: There are exceptions to the eligibility rules when you have a terminal sickness or have been serving the armed forces. If there is any doubt, the telephone call should be terminated and, if necessary, the claimant or their representative should be contacted using the telephone contact number on file. How do I manage my money if I have mental health problems? After your PIP assessment with questions on mental health, the DWP will assess the following information with the supporting evidence if you are eligible: The DWP will give you a letter if you have claimed your PIP or not according to your PIP assessment report. 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. The Mental Health and Money Advice website has more information about the evidence you need to support a benefits claim. It is not the HPs opinion of what the claimant should be able to do. 1.3.8 APs should seek additional evidence from professionals involved in supporting claimants where HPs feel that would help inform their advice. 1.15.2 Consent may be written, verbal and in certain circumstances given by a third party. In a reasonable time: Does it take you a lot longer to do the activity than it would take most people? However, the companions may play an active role in helping claimants answer questions where the claimant or HP wishes them to do so. Once good diabetic control was maintained his mental health condition improved so he was not entitled to either component. Where one single descriptor in an activity is likely to not be satisfied on more than 50 per cent of days, but a number of different scoring descriptors in that activity together are likely to be satisfied on more than 50 per cent of days, the descriptor likely to be satisfied for the highest proportion of the time should be selected. Cognitive disorders (Types, Symptoms & Treatment Options) . This includes our assessment report and your questionnaire and further evidence. 1.7.12 Consultations are not required where a claim has been referred under the SREL provisions. It must be the claimant who attends any consultation. They themselves do not have to attend. The CM will re-examine the facts of the case, the law and any other issues which applied when the decision was made. The PIP assessment with questions on mental health is a great opportunity for you to talk about how your mental health condition affects you. You are currently in the en section of the site. 1.15.13 Attending a consultation does not mean that the claimant has given consent to a physical examination. This companion can be someone who can assist and care for you such as your friend or family member. The HP must acknowledge that they have considered all the available evidence when formulating their advice. If you say you came alone on the train, theyll make a note that you can travel alone on public transport. 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. The HP should always stress to the claimant that they should not carry out a movement or activity to the point where it causes them discomfort. More than once: Can you repeat the activity as many times as you are required to? Confidentiality is breached when one person discloses information to another in circumstances where it is reasonable to expect that the information will be held in confidence. Miss B was diagnosed with schizophrenia and fulfilled the PIP criteria for standard rate mobility component. The DWP will wait 7 working days for the DS1500 to be returned before making a referral to the AP. This is because they have been deemed incapable of engaging directly with the DWP or its contracted APs. This will include details of the claimants key supporting health professional and basic information about their mobility. 1.15.21 If the claimant has a deputy then that means they have lost capacity. Instead, and only if a consultation is deemed necessary, the AP must send the invite to the appointee only. 1.6.75 HPs may also consider whether other options may be acceptable for example, if travelling on public transport is the issue, could a taxi be considered? Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Before your PIP assessment, you should plan your journey to your assessment centre. We have come across some bad results from telephone assessments particularly on Mental Health descriptors. 1.7.24 The claimant or their representative may be able to provide updated information on where they are having their treatment and who is treating them. Although the HP may consider that the claimants view of the impact of their condition is unrealistic or inconsistent with other evidence, the place to address this is later in the report, when justifying their advice. 1.11.3 Where the DWP CM is unable to make a decision and more evidence is required, the case will be sent to the AP to be dealt with as business as usual. They should also provide advice on the mobility component based on the evidence received with the referral and/or gathered at the consultation. Claimants should be encouraged to involve another person at consultations where they would find this helpful for example, to reassure them or to help them during the consultation. 1.4.2 If a consultation has already been arranged and, following receipt of further evidence, the HP concludes that they can now advise DWP on the basis of paper evidence, the consultation should be cancelled. This should be explored through further questions to develop this detail. The DWP will use evidence from the. For example, if the evidence of terminal illness comes from the claimants GP, the HP should telephone the GP to confirm whether the claimant is aware. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. 1.6.24 Evidence gathered in the functional history is an important part of the assessment process as it should provide the CM with a clear picture of the claimants day-to-day life. HPs should remember that prognosis can be uncertain and if in their opinion life expectancy is, on balance, likely to be less than 6 months, they should advise accordingly. The person chosen is at the discretion of the claimant and might be, but is not limited to, a parent, family member, friend, carer or advocate. The HP should also consider whether the third party is acting impartially, or as the claimants advocate. These kinds of psychological disorders are referred to as such since they can make a person impaired and dysfunctional in his or her important areas in life. 1.6.19 Where the claimants current medication is accurately recorded in either the claimant questionnaire or in supporting evidence, the HP may reference where it is recorded instead of reproducing this information in the assessment report. A review is not likely to be considered necessary., no review required The claimant has motor neurone disease with high levels of functional impairment in the daily living and mobility activities. 1.2.4 The HP may also be asked to provide advice to the CM on a range of other aspects of a claim. 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. 1.15.6 For consent to be explicit it must be affirmed in a clear statement. If you miss your assessment, the DWP will contact you asking you to explain why. 1.7.31 Should an HP identify that a claimant is likely to meet the SREL conditions during a consultation and the claimant is aware of their condition, the HP should treat the case as a SREL referral. How are gambling and mental health conditions linked? Benefits if your mental health means you need support. These pro forma are provided separately. 1.1.9 If the claimant is unhappy with the decision on their award, they have the right of reconsideration and, if a claimant disagrees with the reconsideration, they have the right to appeal to His Majestys Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS). Nine months later both lower limbs were amputated following a road traffic accident and he applied for PIP again. The PIP assessment is an opportunity for you to talk about how your condition affects you - it's not a diagnosis of your condition or a medical examination. You can learn more about these PIP medical assessments with questions on mental health by buying this book on this website. What a bad day is like for you - for example, on a bad day, Im so depressed I cant concentrate on anything, and getting out of bed is a huge struggle. PIP telephone assessment | Mental Health Forum Unanswered threads Talk with people who know what it's like! For example, it might be reasonably expected that a 25 year old man who is otherwise healthy but has lost his lower leg in an accident might adapt well to the loss. Firstly, we should start by assessing what evidence we can provide to the assessor and Decision Maker at the initial claim stage to assist them in making the correct decision. hi everyone, had a pip telephone call at 10.30 this morning at 11.35 I was talking to myself the assessor was gone,I rang pip to ask what was going on only to be told I've got to wait 5 days then ring them back as my case had gone back into the back office but if I wait by my phone the assessor will ring me back,I waited . Where the claim has been made by a third party, the HP should contact the third party, rather than the claimant as the claimant may not be aware of their prognosis. 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. This kind of assessment is done by Atos or Capita based on your location in the country. The HP must quantify the proportion of good days to bad, for example if the claimant has epilepsy it is a question of the type, frequency and after effects of the seizures. During the coronavirus pandemic, medical assessments have been taking place via telephone or video call. Renata Is A Disabled Entrepreneur. For urgent help, please see Help & contacts. In circumstances where it is not possible to copy the further evidence, perhaps during telephone or home consultations or where the claimant does not wish to part with the evidence, then it is permissible for the HP to make notes from the original further evidence documentation. They can nominate someone else to accompany the claimant. The PA5 should also be used where additional information does not change the original advice. If you take someone with you to the assessment, they can also claim travel expenses if they travel with you. Do they need help to carry it out or are they completely unable to do it and need someone else to do it for them? 1.10.3 In the following instances it would be appropriate to recommend an ongoing award: where the HP considers there to be no likely change to the functional impairment, where the claimant has functional impairment which is not likely to substantially change in the long-term, allowing for short-term periods of functional change in the case of fluctuating conditions, where the claimant has very high levels of functional impairment in both daily living and mobility components likely to reach the threshold for an enhanced/enhanced award, and in which their needs are only likely to increase, such as with progressive conditions. someone goes out with you. The HP should note in the report that they have explained the procedure to the claimant and obtained their consent to proceed. If capacity has been lost then the expectation is that the claimant would be accompanied. The health professional has already read your PIP form with the supporting evidence that you have to provide about your medical condition. 1.15.32 Personal information held by the DWP is regarded as confidential. This free money management tool is specifically for people on Universal Credit. We explain the following: Firstly, you shouldnt expect the PIP assessor to be favourable towards you. This is why you should say directly to the health professional what you constantly feel about your condition. Therefore, consent to inform the GP of the unexpected finding should be obtained from the claimant. In the case of fluctuation, the frequency and impact of periods of exacerbation and remission should be explored and recorded. contacting the claimant by telephone for further information. The call should conclude by reading back what has been documented and advising the claimant that this information will be added as evidence to the file. These occasions are expected to be rare. 1.8.17 In some health conditions, the level of disability varies over time. The HP may be asked for advice on further evidence from the claimant and may request further evidence before providing advice to the DWP. 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. 1.6.12 The HP should record a succinct and relevant history of all the health conditions or impairments that affect the claimant. . The PIP medical assessment is computer led and is an opportunity for you to explain how your condition affects you daily so the assessment provider can write an accurate report for the DWP. PiP phone call - gave no points for mental health was created by Danielle. The fact that consent has been given (or not) will be made clear in the referral from the DWP and APs should always check that this has been provided. The notes are for the claimant or companions own purposes and are not an official record of the process. Getting the right support can mean that we won't face a financial . If you adjusted the date by your own without letting the assessment provider know, this is considered as discrimination and you should call your local Citizens advice for help with this kind of situation. However, the HP should bear in mind that for claimants with stable long-term conditions, the evidence available may be older. The guide focuses specifically on the role of HPs in the assessment and the quality of their work. (More information on the additional support marker is in the following section.). The advice should fully justify why the claim is being treated under the SREL process. 1.14.5 Considerations that the HP should make include, but are not limited to: whether the claimant has a condition which is likely to have fluctuations in the functional effects over time, whether the claimant has a condition which is likely to have sequelae which cause deterioration or fluctuation of function, whether the condition is the same condition but with a different diagnostic label - for example mitral valve disease / mitral stenosis, whether the original diagnosis has been amended but the underlying impairment and functional effects remain the same for example bronchial asthma in the past but now suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is substantially the same condition, whether the same condition is present and responsible for the functional effects but deterioration has occurred due to a second condition. | Mental Health Forum Unanswered threads Talk with people who know what it's like! Each descriptor has a score. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. 64 Posts. GPs are encouraged to avoid prescribing strong painkillers for long-term pain as the harms usually outweigh the benefits and there could also be specific reasons why painkillers are not prescribed, for example intolerance, or the use of other methods of pain relief. If Providers are required to gain consent, claimants do not have to write the consent statement in their own words; Providers can use their own words. It is strongly recommended that the HP seek the claimants consent to telephone their GP and inform them of the finding as soon as possible. 1.1.11 The activities explored during the PIP assessment are: managing therapy or monitoring a health condition, reading and understanding signs, symbols and words. The HP should contact the most appropriate person involved in the claimants care. I thought about going into detail on what is PIP, who can apply for PIP, and everything you need to know about it, but instead, I'll leave it to the link below and just get on with my first PIP phone assessment experience and what . 1.12.2 Some claimants may have a Personal Acting Body (PAB) such as: A PAB is a person formally nominated to act on their behalf, who will ensure that the claimant is supported throughout the process. (I got a cancellation) i have ongoing mental health issues heart condition that affects my daily activities such as walking and shopping and (anything strenuous) also struggle with communicating with us can't interact I get severe anxiety . The HP should also include what relevant investigations have been carried out or planned for the future. 1.11.5 DWP CMs will undertake paper-based award reviews in cases which contain the additional support (AS) marker and where the AR1 has been completed by the claimant and returned to DWP. In some cases, you might be able to argue that they are discriminating against you. For example, is the level of functional impairment claimed in one activity compatible with that claimed in another? Advice should be based on the HPs assessment of when there is likely to be a significant change in the overall functional effect of a claimants main disabling condition(s). PIP assessors are looking for disability assessors that are licensed and trained for the assessment of disabilities either for physical disability or mental disability. A companion should be in the room for an examination only if both the claimant and the HP agree. 1.6.6 When speaking with a claimant, the HP should: introduce themselves to the claimant and, if accompanied, their companion, explain the purpose of the assessment and what it entails the HP should make clear to the claimant that the assessment is not a medical which involves diagnosis and treatment of their disability or condition. You can learn more about autism in affected people by buying this book here. Am I eligible for Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)? pip telephone call. We are a friendly, safe community supporting each other's mental health 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The advice given by the HP on prognosis will help the CM decide on the type of award. The mental health conditions that qualify for disability in the UK are depressive disorders, dementia, chronic anxiety such as anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. 1.10.7 The HP is asked to confirm whether the functional restriction is likely to be present at the recommended point of review. Have you read something you think others need to know? D. Deleted member 92692 Former member. Where there is a complex, fluctuating condition strong consideration should be given for individual justifications being required. 1.9.4 Advice must be, logical, take into account current advances in medical care, be medically consistent and should reflect the evidence on likely prognosis from the claimants professionals where available. 1.7.23 Every effort should be made to provide advice in SREL cases. Replied by BIS on topic Mental Health and PIP phone assessment. Will I need a Work Capability Assessment to claim benefits? There may be very occasional circumstances where the claimant reasonably requires the support of more companions and this would be acceptable. Social and leisure activities undertaken by the claimant, as well as any they have given up or modified due to their health condition or impairment, could also be mentioned here.