1.8.2 Copies of all the forms are provided separately. You are most welcome to join today! Benefits if your mental health means you need support. A written record should be taken of any telephone discussion seeking further information, using the claimants own words as precisely as possible. PIP pretty much does not care. You have accepted additional cookies. Report: Once your PIP assessment with questions on mental health has finished, these health professionals will make a report discussing which PIP descriptors apply to you and elaborate on their reasoning. 14K PIP, DLA, and AA; 3.4K Universal Credit (UC) 5.5K Talk about your impairment; 1.6K Cerebral palsy; 768 Chronic pain and pain management; 59 Physical and neurological impairments; 963 Autism and neurodiversity; 1K Mental health and wellbeing; 309 Sensory impairments; 753 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions This PIP assessment question on mental health is important for people who may be suspected to have hearing complications, learning complications, autism, stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. You are most welcome to join today! This should be explored through further questions to develop this detail. 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. UNLAWFUL AND HUMILIATING PIP TELEPHONE ASSESSMENTS We've looked at almost 400 responses given between June and November in our ongoing PIP telephone assessment survey. Assessment providers should improve training for assessors to make sure they are mental health informed with knowledge and understanding about how someone's mental health can fluctuate and impact their lives on a day-to-day basis so that people can get the financial support they need. In common law jurisdictions the term is most commonly used to refer to a type of tort lawsuit in which the person bringing the suit (the "claimant" in English Law or "plaintiff" in American jurisdictions) has suffered harm to his or her body or mind. CMs will decide whether these conditions are met but need advice from the HP on how long the condition has been present and how long it is likely to last. For example, doing housework provides information about mobility, manual dexterity and fatigability. 1.1.7 If the claimant questionnaire is not returned and the claimant has been identified as having a mental or cognitive impairment, the claim will be referred directly to the AP for assessment. HPs will not liaise directly with CMs, but will liaise with DWP service assurance managers (SAMs) where the CMs have queries, for example: seeking additional advice either based on current advice or because further evidence has been submitted. Explain how your mental health needs are different on a bad day. 1.5.6 For cases where there is marked inconsistency, the claimed level of disability is unexpected based on the available evidence, or it has not been possible to gain sufficient further evidence, a consultation will be required. Source: PIP Statistics to January 2021, Table 1. 1.12.3 In some cases however, claimants may not be able to engage effectively with the claims process, due to reduced mental capacity or insight for example, they may not understand the consequences of not returning a claim form and not have a PAB to help them. In such cases the HP may need to seek advice from another person, for example (this list is not exhaustive): a third party (where noted on the claimants case) in order to obtain the necessary evidence, the practice administrative staff (note: information should only be requested from administrative staff if all other sources of evidence have been unsuccessful). This free money management tool is specifically for people on Universal Credit. Citizens advice. 1.6.14 The HP should include details of fluctuating conditions, indicating how frequent the fluctuations are, how long exacerbations last and, on balance, how many good days or weeks and how many bad ones the claimant experiences over a specific period of time. HPs are expected to use their professional knowledge, skills and judgement to determine what questions are appropriate to ask about treatment. You should also. Proof of consent is not necessary needed before information is released by hospitals, trusts and clinics funded by the NHS or local authorities. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. 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. 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. Most people have to take the PIP medical assessment with questions on mental health to get this benefit program. 1.15.28 The Welfare Reform Act 2012 (Section 82) creates special provision for a third party to make a claim on behalf of a disabled person without their knowledge. . Location. In these cases, the HPs do not need to consider entitlement to the mobility questions 11 and 12 on the PA3. To ask for an adjustment, phone your assessment provider in advance using the number on your appointment letter. 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. reading and comprehending written information, organizing a journey or following a route. 1.14.2 Where the functional effects of a claimants health condition or impairment reduce for example, as a result of remission their entitlement to PIP may stop. If this is not feasible for example, if the consultation is carried out in the claimant's own home the HP should make a note of the circumstances and carry out such assessment as they can while the claimant is sitting or standing. 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. If the HP notices that a claimant is covertly recording their consultation, the restrictions above should be explained to the claimant. 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. 1.6.28 The functional history is the claimant's own perspective on how they manage the daily living and mobility activities. The HP should explain what information will be shared and why. 1.7.17 The relevant information required when offering advice on SREL claims is set out in the PIP Assessment Tool or clerical form PA2. 1.15.5 UK GDPR defines special category data, and if consent is being used as a condition for processing the data, the consent must be explicit consent. 1.3.8 APs should seek additional evidence from professionals involved in supporting claimants where HPs feel that would help inform their advice. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for working age people who have a disability or long-term health problem and have difficulty or need help with daily living activities and/or getting about. In the case of fluctuation, the frequency and impact of periods of exacerbation and remission should be explored and recorded. 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. It is important that claimants feel they have been listened to and that the consultation feels like a genuinely two-way conversation. If the HP identifies such a condition, they have a responsibility notify a suitable person involved in the claimants care. Which mental health conditions get PIP? The claimant must not be coerced into giving consent when he/she is unwilling to give it and it must be a positive opt-in for example it is inappropriate to say things such as unless you agree to a report from your GP being obtained we cannot advise on your claim. 1.6.21 The employment status of the claimant might be relevant and this should be explored and recorded as part of the evidence gathered in social and occupational history. The HP should contact the most appropriate person involved in the claimants care. If they do not turn up then normal failed to attend (FTA) action is taken the DWP will investigate the conduct of the appointee. 142 replies 83.7K views . Medical Evidence GP 1.8.12 The HPs advice and justification must provide a clear explanation as to why more reliance has been placed on some evidence than others. A health professional will carry out your assessment - they'll write a report and send it to the DWP. They later changed the award because they looked into everybody's claim as they felt they hadn't been properly awarded and I . 1.6.47 Prior to concluding consultations, HPs should give claimants an overview of the findings they have taken from the consultation, including an indication of the fluctuation and variability of function they have recorded. 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. The PA5 should also be used where additional information does not change the original advice. Either before or after your assessment, you should ask the receptionist at the assessment centre for a travel expenses claim form and pre-paid self-addressed envelope. This will include details of the claimants key supporting health professional and basic information about their mobility. At a telephone assessment, consent should be captured verbally on the recording. 1.10.7 The HP is asked to confirm whether the functional restriction is likely to be present at the recommended point of review. 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. 1.6.61 APs must publicise these conditions and include them in communications sent to claimants before they attend a consultation. For example, asthma control is poor because of failure to take preventative medication regularly due to the development of depression, resulting in mobility problems. You are awarded points for each activity, based on your ability and how much help and assistance you need to do it. this is a walk through of what happened in my recent telephone pip ( personal independent payment) assessment review and what questions been asked and how . 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. The HP should also include details of any alterations to medication which have occurred since the questionnaire or supporting evidence was supplied. 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. 1.15.24 If GPs, consultants and doctors request proof of consent they should be reminded of the GMCs advice. If the individual is claiming under the Special Rules for End of Life criteria (SREL), the case is instead referred directly to the AP and dealt with as a priority. 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. Where the HPs opinion differs from other opinions on file for example in further medical evidence or a previous HPs advice then a full explanation of the reasons for the difference of opinion should be given. 1.6.58 Upon prior request, providers have the facility to audio record telephone and face to face consultations. Where a claimant has a PAB they would not be classified as requiring additional support from DWP. 1.8.9 Exportability cases are identifiable by the fact that the claimants address will be outside the UK and there will be a PIP2 (exp) with the case. Only 7% of those surveyed said their GP has been contacted, with a further 35% saying they were unsure. 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. This section of the consultation must also explore the impact completing an activity may have on functional restriction immediately following and for the rest of the day. It's not based on the condition you're in or the medication you're taking. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. 1.8.10 It is essential that the CM is made aware of the evidence the HP has used to complete the assessment report. If the claimant is persistently uncooperative or if they are clearly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the consultation should be terminated and the case returned to the DWP, along with an explanation of why the consultation had to be terminated. 1.11.4 The HP will attempt to complete a paper based review if possible, or arrange a face-to-face assessment where required. 1.9.1 Entitlement to PIP is dependent on the functional effects of a health condition or impairment having been determined as likely to have been present at the required level for at least 3 months and being expected to last for at least a further 9 months. 1.8.5 Before selecting a descriptor, the HP must consider whether the claimant can reliably complete the activity in the manner described in the descriptor, taking into account whether they can do so: 1.8.6 The HP must also take into account that most health conditions or impairments can fluctuate over time. 1.9.8 Advice on prognosis must be fully explained and comprehensively justified. Inconsistencies could result in claimants either over or under emphasising the impact of their conditions and efforts should be made to avoid both. She is an advocate for Mental Health, Motivational Empowerment, and Personal Development. 1.7.21 The HP must ensure that the claimant has given consent for the person they phone to share information. Here's my experience as a disabled woman, you can read about my condition in my chronic journey blog post. 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. A snapshot view of the claimants condition on a particular day at a particular time is not an adequate assessment. For urgent help, please see Help & contacts. 1.15.13 Attending a consultation does not mean that the claimant has given consent to a physical examination. If they feel confident doing this and it would be in line with the consensus of medical opinion, then a paper-based review may still be possible, referring to such in the summary justification. 1.15.1 The department collects consent on behalf of GPs to allow them to share medical records. 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. 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. 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. 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. The professional will then send it to DWP to check if you are eligible for the benefits. 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. 1.6.11 When considering inconsistencies, HPs should bear in mind that some claimants may have no insight into their condition, for example claimants with cognitive or developmental impairments. The appointment set for you is usually in a span of 7 days away. 1.15.8 Should claimant consent not have been provided at the initial claim stage, it can be sought verbally by APs over the telephone. 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. Where can I get support for my mental health? When making telephone contact with a GP or other specialist, the HP should also endeavour to determine whether the claimant is aware of their illness or prognosis and consider whether the information they have obtained may be potentially harmful. Doing crossword puzzles requires visual acuity, manual dexterity, concentration and cognitive ability. 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. 1.5.1 HPs should carry out assessments using a paper-based review in cases where they believe there is sufficient evidence in the claim file, including supporting evidence, to provide robust advice to the DWP on how the assessment criteria relate to the claimant. where, in reassessment cases, further evidence may confirm whether or not there has been a change in the claimants health condition or disability. These kinds of professionals ensure that those requiring help and assistance from the Government are able to get it and play a key role in the health system. The DWP will use evidence from the. The HP should base their assessment on what the young person would be able to do if asked that is, what they are functionally able to do not the skills they have or havent learned. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. PIP Question 6. . A vulnerable claimant is defined as someone who has difficulty in dealing with procedural demands at the time when they need to access a service .This includes life events and personal circumstances such as a previous suicide attempt, domestic violence, abuse, or bereavement. Under normal circumstances the HP would make copies of the original evidence and hand the originals back to the claimant. 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. 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. You might have asthma, but PIP will assess you very differently if your symptoms are managed by medication. You can deal with someone you dearly loved who has a terminal illness by buying this book on this website. 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. 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. 1 comment 100% Upvoted Log in or sign up to leave a comment It should be explained that the assessment focuses on the effects of their health condition or impairment on their day-to-day life, looking at what they can and cannot do in relation to the daily living and mobility activities. 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. 1.7.11 All SREL claims will be clearly flagged. Am I eligible for Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)? 63 replies 18.3K views. 1.6.5 Before starting the consultation, the HP should read the claimant questionnaire and all other evidence on file. Question 13a You are currently in the en section of the site. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Both the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council provide guidance on medical ethics and when it is acceptable to break medical confidentiality. When you have fulfilled your PIP form and sent it to DWP, this kind of department will be sending you an appointment letter. PIP telephone assessment. Lancashire. This list is not definitive and the location should take into account the need to provide an appropriate venue to enable the claimant to attend the assessment.