pip telephone assessment mental health

HPs should consider whether there is evidence that such an adaptation or adjustment has taken place. What you should say during the PIP assessment. 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. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. 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. 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. This assessment is also not depending on your medical treatments. 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. In this brief blog, we will be talking about PIP assessment questions on mental health, what the PIP assessment is for, the procedure of the PIP assessment, and more information about PIP assessment questions on mental health. 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 . 1.6.19 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. 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. Can I cancel something I've done when I'm unwell? 1.1.3 PIP was introduced in April 2013 for people aged 16 to 64 years and is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults. The health professionals will be reviewing your PIP form once you reach the assessment centre. 1.3.6 On receipt of a referral from DWP, the HP should conduct an initial review of the case file to determine whether: the claim can be assessed on the basis of the paper evidence held at this point (a paper-based review), a consultation will be required. If you say you came alone on the train, theyll make a note that you can travel alone on public transport. Pip telephone assessment experience. 1.6.45 If any element of function is not examined at the consultation, the HP should record why this area was not examined rather than leave the section of the report form blank. 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. 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. 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. You can state your needs here with regards to your debilitating condition. 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. 1.6.64 A claimant may make a covert recording of the consultation without the HP being aware. 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. Ask for the assessor to be the same gender as you. The duty of confidentiality continues after the death of an individual to whom that duty is owed. D. Deleted member 92692 Former member. The HP can assess the disabling effect of the pain by considering such description (where applicable) along with all other aspects of the case, for example disease activity/severity, effect on daily activities, treatment, pain relief, pain management strategies, examination findings and informal observations. You dont become too concerned about the word severe since anxiety and distress can appear different in severe expressions in affected people. This free money management tool is specifically for people on Universal Credit. 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. 1.6.18 The HP should record any other prescribed therapies, such as physiotherapy, making a note of who prescribed them, how often they are carried out, and how effective they are. 1.10.1 The HP will be asked to provide advice on when it would be appropriate to review the claimants claim to PIP. It is not intended to cover all the requirements placed on APs as part of the PIP assessment contracts, their full business processes, or work carried out by DWP to monitor and manage AP performance. 1.15.15 An officer acting on behalf of the Secretary of State will authorise an appointee to become fully responsible for acting on the claimants behalf in any dealings with DWP or its contracted APs. 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. 1.6.54 Consultations should predominantly be between the HP and the claimant. HPs should be mindful that the level of analgesia used does not necessarily correlate with the level of pain. The. You may be asked to provide medical evidence as to why you cant attend the assessment centre. The total scores for all of the activities related to each component determine entitlement for that component. To get the PIP, one has to fill out a form. Consent may need to be obtained at other points during the examination as the HP should explain throughout what they are about to examine. It is also recommended that the HPs could also consult with clinical coaches or other experts prior to the assessment for advice and support on how conditions present and how this might affect function. Or do you need another person, guide dog or specialist aid to help you get there?YesNoSometimes. Make a list of points you would like to make during your assessment and take this with you. . This free money management tool is specifically for people on Universal Credit. 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. The HP should act within the guidelines, and be able to justify their actions. having considered all the information and evidence of the case, produce a report for DWP containing information on the claimants circumstances and recommendations on the assessment criteria. The PIP medical assessment consists of several parts and will last on average, 60 minutes: In this part of the assessment, the health professional will ask you a series of questions about how your condition affects your everyday life. This kind of assessment will result in you winning or not getting the benefits that you might be entitled to if you have been proven to be incapable due to your mental health condition. Citizens advice. 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. Therefore, consent to inform the GP of the unexpected finding should be obtained from the claimant. The PIP medical assessment consists of several parts and will last on average, 60 minutes: Discussion and questions: The Health Professional will ask you questions about how your health affects your everyday life. 1.1.6 Once the claimant questionnaire has been returned to DWP, in cases where an assessment is required by a Health Professional (HP), the case is referred to an assessment provider (AP) along with any supporting evidence provided. At this stage claimants are encouraged to provide any supporting evidence they already have that they feel should be considered alongside their claim information for example evidence from a health or other professional involved in their care or treatment. There may also be activities that could be carried out by the young person, but for which the parent or guardian continues to assume responsibility. 1.6.44 If an area of function is examined, the HP must record all findings in the assessment report, even if function is found to be normal. someone goes out with you. 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. There is an expectation that this will remove or reduce the need for claimants to record consultations. This new document has been designed to focus on the information to be checked at the award review stage and to determine whether there have been any relevant changes in the claimants condition(s) or needs across all descriptors since their current PIP award began. The PIP assessment questions on mental health will be asking about the degree of assistance you need in daily activities. 1.15.4 For consent to be fully informed and freely given the claimant must know exactly why the information is needed, what is going to be done with it, and with whom it might be shared. A health professional will carry out your assessment - they'll write a report and send it to the DWP. Its essential to be aware of the PIP descriptors as this is what they will base their decision on. someone helps or encourages you to go out. your mental health condition makes using a bus or train difficult. If the claimant has difficulty socialising and planning and following but is sitting securely in their home on the phone during assessment, it stands to reason the decision making will be compromised! 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. Your medical assessment will be conducted by a private organisation - Independent Assessment Services (IAS - delivered by Atos) or Capita who have been contracted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 1.10.7 The HP is asked to confirm whether the functional restriction is likely to be present at the recommended point of review. You are currently in the en section of the site. This may be particularly important where the claimant has a mental, cognitive or intellectual impairment. 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. Nine months later both lower limbs were amputated following a road traffic accident and he applied for PIP again. It is not the HPs opinion of what the claimant should be able to do. The appointment letter will invite you to a PIP medical assessment at one of their assessment centres. 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. 1.7.23 Every effort should be made to provide advice in SREL cases. The DWP decision makers will now look at your PIP claim, and its supporting evidence which includes: The DWP will then send you a letter once theyve made their decision, explaining why you will or wont get PIP. Personal injury is a legal term for an injury to the body, mind, or emotions, as opposed to an injury to property. How do I manage my money if I have to go into hospital? 1.15.24 If GPs, consultants and doctors request proof of consent they should be reminded of the GMCs advice. 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. 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. 1.9.2 The CM also needs advice to help inform decisions on when claims should be reviewed, taking into account issues such as the likely progression of the condition and whether it is likely to improve, stay the same or worsen. 1.2.5 If the Provider or HP has any concerns about the claimant or those who are within their care, in all cases, they should direct their concerns to the appropriate agencies, healthcare professionals and services who may provide further assistance to the claimant. you only attempt a journey during quiet times of the day - for example, when the shops aren't busy or there's less traffic on the road. Your appointment should be a minimum of seven days away. 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. If you have a disabling condition that makes you housebound, you can also request for a home assessment. 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. For example, it may be used to respond to a request for clarification about medication or treatment that affects the claimants health condition or impairment. Get help if you need it. This information should be included in the assessment report provided to DWP or via the PIPAT. A bit about my claim: Eating disorder for 15 years (I have come to simply exist with the daily behaviour of an ED and haven't had any recent treatment in years, so little recent evidence on this . They may also show discrepancies between the reported need and the actual needs of the claimant. Well send you a link to a feedback form. 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. 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. Check if youre eligible for PIP. 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. 1.7.15 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. How do I manage my money if I have mental health problems? However, from May 2021, face-to-face assessments have been gradually reintroduced. Thus, in every case and before each instance that information is obtained or released, checks should be made to ensure valid consent is held. 1.4.16 HPs should identify who they are and the purpose of the call. I first applied for pip back in 2016 and was awarded a paper based award . Hi everyone, Thanks for letting me onto the forum and for all your help! For example, if the claimant has corrective surgery planned for the near future which would be expected to significantly impact their level of ability, a review at a point following the surgery might be appropriate. The assessment report must be completed and returned to the DWP using the work queue for SREL within 2 working days from that point. 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. 1.13.3 Supplementary advice may also be requested for a reconsideration where the claimant challenges a decision made about entitlement to PIP, or for the early revision of a decision as part of the appeals process. This includes: claiming benefits including completing and signing any claim, providing consent to obtain further evidence and providing information to the HP on the functional impact of the claimants health conditions, reporting changes in the claimants circumstances, or changes in their own circumstances that the DWP may need to know for example a change of name or address. We have translated the site; would you prefer to read in Welsh? A written record should be taken of any telephone discussion seeking further information, using the claimants own words as precisely as possible. Explain how your mental health needs are different on a bad day. Helps you take control of your household spending. What are my options for dealing with debt? Pip telephone assessment experience. What is a PIP assessment? 1.15.25 Occasionally a HP may be asked to provide evidence that consent is held in the form of the claimants signature before the information is forthcoming. (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 . 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. 1.15.6 For consent to be explicit it must be affirmed in a clear statement. 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. We have translated the site; would you prefer to read in Welsh? Well enough: For instance, you may be able to prepare and cook a meal, but you will not be able to eat it if it is deemed undercooked. Getting the right support can mean that we won't face a financial . The HP should also consider whether the third party is acting impartially, or as the claimants advocate. In cases of complex fluctuation, providing an individual justification for each descriptor can help to ensure this is fully explored and advice justified. 1.4.14 If the claimant states that they want to tell the HP something in confidence that they do not want recorded in the HPs advice, the HP should explain to them that they are unable to take such information into account, as the CM making the decision on their claim would have no access to it. 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. 9 weeks from the point of referral to the Assessment Provider to a decision being made on the claim. PIP eligibility. 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. 1.6.68 Very rarely during the consultation, the HP may identify that the claimant appears to have a significant undiagnosed medical condition. In this brief blog, we have talked about PIP assessment questions on mental health, what the PIP assessment is for, the procedure of the PIP assessment, and more information about PIP assessment questions on mental health. It is likely that the claimant will not experience their current physical functional limitations post-recovery period. Claimants who have recently completed a cross border move from Scotland to England/Wales may instead provide the Scottish equivalent form BASRiS (Benefits Assessment under Special Rules in Scotland), where the BASRiS form is less than 6 months old. 1.4.11 Where a claimants condition has been deemed harmful and captured in the relevant screen in the PIPAT or PIPAT mobile, this harmful information will be included on either the assessment report form (fast-track paper review) (PA2), assessment report form (paper review) (PA3), assessment report form (consultation) (PA4) or supplementary advice note (change of advice) (PA6). If you suffer from a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, it's possible to be eligible forPIP, but it's very much dependent on how the mental illness affects you. Atos and Capita are obligated to administer PIP medical assessments with questions on mental health to people who are applying for this benefit program. 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. The HP should contact the most appropriate person involved in the claimants care. 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. 1.7.19 If no DS1500/BASRiS has been provided and there is no additional medical evidence, a telephone call to the relevant clinician will always be required. In general, there is no single answer that can be applied as each claimant's situation is unique to their own application. 1.15.29 Further information relating to the claim may be required and, due to the tight timescales involved in processing such claims, contact with the claimants own health professionals may be required. Hi Zoe, I had my PIP telephone call last July and I have only just won my case. If youre in the armed forces or a close family member of someone who is, the rules on living and registering in England, Wales or Scotland isnt practised. HPs should ensure that this does not create an unfair perception of the young persons abilities and the impact of their health condition or impairment. 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. 1.7.12 Consultations are not required where a claim has been referred under the SREL provisions. 1.6.60 In some circumstances, claimants may wish to use their own equipment to audio record their consultation. 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. You have rejected additional cookies. For example, is the level of functional impairment claimed in one activity compatible with that claimed in another? Assessments may still be carried out by telephone or video, but you might be asked to attend an assessment centre. In addition, young people may have limited experience undertaking many activities unsupervised in an independent environment. The advice given by the HP on prognosis will help the CM decide on the type of award. Such examinations should be tailored to the individual claimant and will vary depending on the nature of the disabling conditions present. In April 2019, for the new claims cleared under normal rules, the average PIP claim took: 13 weeks from the point of registration to a decision being made on the claim, and. It must be remembered that some of the information may not be readily understood by those who are not trained and experienced HPs. 1.6.58 Upon prior request, providers have the facility to audio record telephone and face to face consultations. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. 1.3.13 If further evidence is requested and returned, a further PA1 or the relevant screen in PIPAT should be completed to inform DWP of the next steps after the review of the further evidence. When returning the form, you must include all tickets and receipts. This would be considered together with other factors such as their manner, hearing ability, walking ability during the history taking, through to the conclusion of the consultation. 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. PIP pretty much does not care. 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. The investigation has compiled evidence from more than 20 disabled people who have contacted . 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. How do I ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration? 1.8.11 All evidence must be interpreted and evaluated using medical reasoning, considering the circumstances of the case and the expected impact on the claimants daily living and/or mobility. If the HP identifies such a condition, they have a responsibility notify a suitable person involved in the claimants care. #7. Can I cancel something I've done when I'm unwell? 1.6.55 However, the involvement of companions should be handled appropriately by the HP. He is aged 16 and attends a supported education centre where he is learning independent living skills and undergoing travel training, with the hope of attending college in the future. The healthcare professional to be a specialist in mental health. DWP CMs undertaking award reviews will complete new learning and have on-site support from health professionals employed by DWP and will also be able to contact the claimant and/or carer for further information where necessary. The Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) temporarily suspended Personal Independence Payment (PIP) face-to-face assessments in March and a decision on whether to extend that measure is expected . Here is a sample PIP question on mental health: Do you need help from another person to plan a route to somewhere you know well? Introduction. The roll-out of PIP to existing DLA claimants commenced from October 2013. The notes are for the claimant or companions own purposes and are not an official record of the process. Qwom I dont want to put a dampener on things but unless your depression & anxiety majorly affect your daily living i doubt you will score enough points to meet the standard rate. In these cases entitlement to PIP may again be triggered and the claimant may re-apply. 1.15.13 Attending a consultation does not mean that the claimant has given consent to a physical examination. PIP telephone assessment | Page 2 | Mental Health Forum Unanswered threads Talk with people who know what it's like! 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. 1.6.20 The HP should record a concise and relevant social and occupational history. 1.6.40 The HP will never disturb underwear, never ask the claimant to remove their underwear, and never carry out intimate examinations (breast, rectal, abdominal or genital examinations). Find out how to fill in the form for: Universal Credit; Personal Independence Payment The information gathered forms part of the suite of evidence and should be included in the assessment report provided to the DWP and referenced in their advice. This includes, but is not limited to, reassessment of existing DLA claims and PIP claims where an agreed award review point is reached or fresh evidence received, rework requests in relation to assessment reports. The copy of the evidence or HP notes from the evidence should be sent to the CM with the completed report. 1.4.19 Where further evidence is received after the assessment has been completed and returned to the DWP, the evidence must be sent to the CM for consideration. 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. Identifying claimants who require additional support with the PIP process, Advice on substantially the same condition, Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment guide for assessment providers, nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3, Severe depression (evidenced by, for example, previous hospitalisation for depression, intensive support from community-based mental health teams or significant input from a psychiatrist or other mental health practitioner), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Dementia or cognitive disorder resulting in cognitive decline, His Majestys Courts and Tribunal Service, review report form (Special Rules for End of Life), supplementary advice note (change of advice), whether another assessment type is more appropriate, any accessibility issues related to the planned location of consultations, a corporate other payee or corporate appointee, a curator bonis or judicial factor (under Scottish law).