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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that "all health professionals (HPs)" conducting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are "fully qualified in their health discipline and have passed strict recruitment and experience criteria".

Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms made these remarks in a written reply to Labour MP Adam Jogee, who had questioned what measures the DWP were implementing to ensure "adequate training and guidance for PIP assessors on arthritis and other chronic, fluctuating health conditions".

Sir Stephen clarified that the PIP assessment examines "how an individual's condition affects their ability to live independently, rather than focusing solely on the nature or severity of their condition".

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The DWP Minister continued: "The assessment considers whether a person can carry out specific activities safely, reliably, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time frame. The process does not assess people based on their 'best days'; instead, it considers the overall impact of a condition over time, specifically considering functional limitations that occur on more than 50 per cent of days within a given period.

"All health professionals (HPs) are fully qualified in their health discipline and have passed strict recruitment and experience criteria. They are also required to be registered with the appropriate regulatory body."

"The department authorises HPs to conduct assessments only after suppliers demonstrate that the HP has successfully completed a department approved training and appraisal programme. This process confirms that HPs possess a sound understanding of the clinical aspects and likely functional effects of a broad range of health conditions."

He also stated that from September 2024, the DWP assumed responsibility for the Core Training and Guidance Material (CTGM) utilised within the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS), reports the Daily Record.

PIP assessments in a nutshell

The PIP assessment provides an opportunity for you to discuss how your condition impacts you - it's not a diagnosis of your condition or a medical examination. The DWP will consider evidence from the assessment to determine if you should receive PIP.

A health professional will conduct your assessment, compile a report and forward it to the DWP decision maker. If you are awaiting a review, it's advisable to have a copy of your PIP evidence form available for telephone, video and face-to-face assessments. This allows you to reference it, particularly if it was completed several years ago.

Discussing how your condition impacts you

A useful guide on the Citizens Advice website advises you should be ready to discuss how your condition affects you even if you've already outlined it on your PIP evidence form (the PIP2 document).

This can be challenging to do, but it will genuinely help if you can discuss:

• the kind of things you have difficulty with, or can’t do at all - for example, walking up steps without help or remembering to go to appointments
• how your condition affects you from day to day
• what a bad day is like for you - for example, ‘On a bad day, I can’t walk at all because my injured leg hurts so much’ or ‘On a bad day, I’m so depressed I can’t concentrate on anything’

Observations on what you say and do during the assessment

The assessor will utilise the information you provided on your PIP claim form but will also form opinions based on what you say and do on the day. For instance, they might ask how you arrived at the centre for a face-to-face assessment - if you mention you took the bus, without further clarification, they could note that you are capable of travelling alone on public transport - unless you specify otherwise.

You may also be asked to perform some physical tasks during the face-to-face assessment. Don't feel obliged to do things you wouldn't normally be able to do. If you manage them on assessment day, the assessor may assume you can always do them, so if you're not comfortable with something - speak up.

During the telephone assessment, you may be asked to describe how you complete simple tasks such as preparing and cooking food, getting washed and dressed, and how you move around outside the home. Don't rush to answer, remember they are looking at your claim form and asking the same questions you have already answered.

Pause, reflect and reply

Break down your answer and guide them through how you complete tasks step by step to provide a clear picture of how your disability or health condition affects you. What might seem like a lengthy process for you will clearly demonstrate to the assessor how you manage tasks - so don't rush or simplify your methods.

The assessor will also take note of your mental state during the assessment - for instance, they'll record whether you appear or sound depressed or happy, tense or relaxed, and how you handle social interaction.

Things to bear in mind during the assessment

• Don’t let the assessor rush you and try not to just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to their questions
• Always try to explain how doing something would make you feel afterwards and the impact it can have on you if you had to do it repeatedly in a short period of time

You're allowed to have someone with you while you undergo the assessment over the phone, on a video call or in person, just remember to put the call on speaker and inform the assessor who is accompanying you.

Bringing someone along for support during a face-to-face assessment

The DWP provides guidance on attending an assessment, which can be found on the GOV.UK website. You're permitted to bring someone into the actual assessment if they are 16 or older. This could be anyone who makes you feel more at ease, such as a friend, relative or carer. If you wish, they can participate in discussions and jot down notes for you.

Before attending a face-to-face assessment

Ensure that your assessment centre has everything you need by checking with your assessment provider - if it doesn't, you can request it. This can help make you feel more comfortable on the day.

Here are a few examples:

• ask if you will have to go upstairs, and if there’s a lift that can accommodate a wheelchair if you need one
• ask how roomy the centre is if you get anxious in enclosed spaces - if the rooms or corridors are small, tell them this could make you anxious and see what they can offer you
• ask for an interpreter or signer if you need one - do this at least two working days before your assessment so they have time to organise it
• ask for the person carrying out the assessment to be the same gender as you, if that’s important to you
• ask if you can make an audio recording of the assessment - you must do this three days before your assessment and ask your provider about the rules for using recording equipment

Changing the venue

If your face-to-face assessment location is more than 90 minutes away by public transport and you struggle with long-distance travel, you may be offered an alternative location or home visit. Refer to the published guidance on GOV.UK, which includes travel restriction advice for England, Scotland, and Wales.

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