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People who are waiting to be assessed for a widely claimed DWP benefit should be mindful that casual conversations about their routines may reveal more than they expect. According to an expert, these conversations could significantly influence the amount of PIP awarded by assessors.

Jacqueline Gozzard, an experienced professional who has evaluated thousands of PIP applications throughout her career, revealed to Dr Asif Ahmed on his podcast that the assessment extends far beyond reviewing written forms or responses to formal questions. She claims that simple discussions about shopping trips can uncover information that proves crucial to the outcome.

She explained: "When they walk in, and you ask if it's OK to start the assessment, the first question I'll ask is, 'Did you find us okay?' They'll tell me where they've come from."

She provided an example of someone letting them know about an "amazing Asda" near where they live, and mentioning items that were on sale. Jacqueline said she'll use that conversation as a chance to ask them if items were still discounted and when they last went into the store to understand how often they're willing and able to leave the house.

Explaining how such responses could impact an application, she said: "With that, they've actually told me how often they go out and what they do before they've even sat down. They've told me when they last went to the supermarket, how often they go out - we've covered a big chunk of [the assessment] before they've even sat down and they don't realise it."

During the same podcast episode, Jacqueline suggested that the face-to-face PIP assessment goes beyond the official examination itself. She explained that claimants are being observed from the moment they enter the building.

The 'chair test' is something that people may encounter twice throughout their evaluation. Jacqueline revealed that the waiting area is deliberately arranged to assess people right from the start.

It can be particularly revealing if someone instinctively picks a particular seat - and then makes the same choice in the assessment room, which goes against what they say on the written form. While this approach might appear deceptive, the assessor claimed it can "go both ways".

She informed the GP that claimants might disclose more than they have originally documented on the form, which can occasionally work in their favour if they have underestimated how much they struggle with particular tasks in their daily routine.

The amount of PIP awarded depends on the level of difficulty experienced with everyday activities (daily living tasks) and mobility (getting around). Based on the latest figures from GOV.UK, the current rates are:

• Daily living part: £73.90 (lower) £110.40 (higher)
• Mobility part: £29.20 (lower) £77.05 (higher)

The highest weekly PIP payment in the UK stands at £187.45 (£749.80 over a four-week period). This represents the maximum sum available to those who qualify for both the daily living and mobility elements at the enhanced rate.

This amount is set to rise in spring 2026, with beneficiaries expected to receive a 3.8 per cent increase. From April 2026, the daily living component of PIP will increase to between £76.70 and £114.60 per week, while the mobility component is set to rise to between £30.30 and £80.

For details on how to claim this benefit in England or Wales, visit the GOV.UK website here. In Scotland, individuals can apply for the equivalent benefit, the Adult Disability Payment. Those in Northern Ireland can find information on how to claim PIP here.