The DWP has issued a statement clarifying the process, putting the rules around PIP assessments in the spotlight
The DWP has clarified the rules around medical consultations for PIP assessments in a new Parliamentary update. PIP is the main disability payment in the UK, helping with everyday tasks and extra living costs for people with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
Current regulations mean the DWP attempts to conduct assessments by reviewing medical evidence and speaking to a claimant via telephone or video call. However, if the DWP is unable to assess someone through telephone or video call, they will arrange a face-to-face medical assessment. Citizens Advice guidance emphasises it is vital people prepare properly as the DWP will use evidence from the assessment to determine whether a claimant is eligible for PIP.
A health professional will conduct the assessment. They will subsequently produce a report and forward it to the DWP.
The issue has come under scrutiny this week as questions have been raised about the process when it concerns certain conditions. James McMurdock, Independent MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, asked the Department for Work and Pensions “what steps the Department is taking to ensure that Personal Independence Payment assessors have appropriate training to assess complex and less widely understood medical conditions.”
Sir Stephen Timms – Minister of State (Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government) (Equalities)- has now issued a response. In a statement released on Tuesday, September 8, he said: “Personal Independence Payment assessments are not medical consultations and do not require health professionals (HPs) to diagnose conditions or recommend treatment. Instead, they are functional assessments designed to evaluate how an individual’s health conditions or impairments affect their ability to carry out daily living and mobility activities.
“All HPs undertaking assessments on behalf of the department must be registered practitioners; they receive comprehensive training in disability analysis, including how to assess the impacts of medical conditions on people’s day-to-day activities, as well as awareness training in a range of conditions, symptoms and disabilities.
“Assessment suppliers are required to demonstrate that HPs meet all our requirements before they are approved to carry out assessments on behalf of DWP.
“HPs have access to a wide range of Core Training and Guidance Material (CTGM), which offers detailed and quality assured clinical and functional information on a range of conditions. There are thousands of unique clinical conditions, most of which have a range of functional effects where disability can vary from nil to profound. It would be impossible to have specific training on all conditions. There are over 23,000 rare diseases alone listed in the Orphanet directory.
“As of 9 September 2024, DWP assumed responsibility for the CTGM used within the Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS); this information is provided by DWP to the HAAS assessment suppliers. Following the transfer of responsibilities to DWP, all training and guidance materials are currently undergoing a comprehensive review and update.
“A newly established team is leading this work, ensuring that all materials are aligned with national best practice standards. To support this, independent clinical experts are being engaged to provide external quality assurance, helping to ensure the accuracy, relevance, and consistency of the content.”
PIP assessments and who carries them out
The Benefits and Work website contains details on who carries out the assessments. It states that The Health Assessment Advisory Service (HAAS) took over the provision of PIP assessments from Capita and Atos (IAS) on 7 September 2024. HAAS operates as part of the DWP. The site notes: “It provides training, guidance and software for assessors. But the assessors themselves work for private sector companies.”
Four companies are involved in conducting benefits assessments: Maximus covers Northern England and Scotland (though PIP has been replaced by ADP in Scotland and is not part of the contract); Capita covers the Midlands, Wales and Northern Ireland; Serco covers South West England and South Central England; and Ingeus covers South East England, London and East Anglia.
Additionally, a small number of assessments are conducted directly by the DWP. A comprehensive list of all postcodes and their respective HAAS provider can be found on the .gov.uk website.
The Turn2Us website, which regularly publishes guidance on benefits, offers advice on what to expect during assessments. It explains that the health professional will ask how your health condition or disability affects your day-to-day life.
They should have already reviewed your completed PIP form and any supporting documents you submitted. It is important to inform them of anything that may have changed since you filled in your form.
What happens in a PIP assessment – example questions
The site explains that the health professional may ask you to complete straightforward tasks such as: recalling three objects in the room simply from hearing their names (without them being pointed out); working out how much change you would receive from £1 after purchasing something costing 75p; counting backwards from 100, subtracting 3 each time. The health professional may conduct a physical examination.
The site says they will only request you perform basic movements such as: placing your finger in your hand; pushing against the health professional’s hand with your own hand or foot. Turn2Us advises: “Only do what you feel able to do. Do not push yourself or do anything that causes pain.
“Tell the health professional if an activity is difficult, painful, or could affect you afterwards. If you cannot do a movement, explain why. For example, tell them if it causes pain or could make your condition worse later.”
What is happening to PIP?
A Government-backed review of the disability benefits system is scheduled to publish its findings later this year. The review, led by work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms, was launched after a Labour backbench rebellion at plans under Sir Keir Starmer to limit PIP eligibility.
The Benefits and Work website says many worry the Timms review will be used as a justification to make cuts to the PIP system. The Timms review published its interim report in July.
It described the existing PIP system as overly complex and difficult to navigate.
