PIP telephone consultation

I have received a text from Independent Assessment Services advising me that they have booked a telephone assessment on 1 June at 9am.

I was a little surprised at this because I had requested a paper based assessment when I sent in my review form citing that my medical conditions are lifelong and not likely to improve as stated by my GP in his supporting letter. I also mentioned to then that I have had face to face assessment in the past so they should have an insight on my conditions and their impact on me on my daily living.

I do not mind the telephone assessment but I feel it is needless and a paper assessment would have been more appropriate especially as I have hearing loss in both ears and wear hearing aids.

Can I still request a Paper based assessment? In which case should I contact IAS or DWP by phone or better to write to them so that there is record.

Please advice.

Hi Bis,

Thank you for your reply.

I have a lots of supporting letters from my GP but he has not mentioned I what type of assessment would be suitable for my personal needs. This partly my mistake as I had never requested him to include this in his letters.

I did phone IAS and after intially being told to go for the telephone assessment as this would be quicker and also for the fact the the assessor would need to contact my GP as well. I gave them permission to contact my GP but also agreed that if I needed a telephone assessment I would not object to that. I did advice them that I have hearing loss in both ears and if I have to spend a long time on the phone this may cause problems as I believe some of these assessments to last more than an hour in some cases.

I was surprised the the person I was seaking to told me that there was a note from DWP for a light review so the telephone assessment would be most likey be brief. I am not if divelged this infomation in error to as this may have been confidential for them only.

I was then put on hold for a few minutes and then advised that a request was put through to the assessor for a paper based assessment and I would be advised if this was successful or not.

I will just have to wait for IAS to get back back to me with a decision and hopefully it will be in my favour and if not I will oblige them with the telephone assessment which is better than a face to face which I have in the past and it was daunting t say the least.

I will also be sending in a letter regarding the telehone call and my reasons for a paper basesd assessment and jhope for the best.

My main object is to get the award that I have indicated in my review form be it a telephone or paper based assessment.

Hi,

I will give an update as soon as I hear.

I am just little confused by what the agent said in DWP wanting a light touch review. I thought this was only after an award is made and how long before next review?