Mental Health and PIP phone assessment.

Hello Pamela,

I completely agree with BIS about the letter from the GP, but I have come across the problems you having with them refusing do anything other than a standard print out. Indeed some are declining to do anything until the DWP directly contact them.

I would advise you to take whatever you can from your GP, another copy of your medication list, and add it to any written evidence you have that shows you have been referred to the mental health team. Appointment letters, details about therapies they are offering you etc, it all goes towards building up a picture which says that you are telling the truth, and it is not reasonable for them to insist on a phone assessment.

If you are able to, I would also include a note from yourself explaining how the stress of a phone assessment will mean that you will not be able to present the assessor with an accurate description of the effects your condition(s) have on you. (If all else fails this will help support a later MR or appeal!) If it applies, I would also include the fact that Covid restrictions mean that you may not be able to have an appropriate person with you to give support.

I wish you success,
Catherine

Hi Pamela

GPs are rarely contacted before a claimant's assessment despite what it says on the paperwork. GPs are often reluctant to give letters, it depends really on the relationship you have with your GP and how willing they are to help. Unfortunately, they are not obliged to write a letter and many will assume whatever a person's difficulties they can manage a phone call.

BIS