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Appointee concern
- Bekki
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2 days 6 hours ago #303338 by Bekki
Appointee concern was created by Bekki
Hello, wondering if I can please get some help.
I did not register as an appointee because honestly it looked really difficult to do, but my son is NOT capable of filling out the forms, and realistically I don't know how he'll cope with an assessment. I carried out the PIP1 call and explained this and she said I could do the PIP1 and then also do the forms as it is possible to make it clear a parent/carer is filling them out.
I also thought that it would possibly be helpful for an assessor to see how much he struggles to answer questions because it highlights his communication difficulties and I knew I could be present to support.
However he has now had a missed call from maximus, and as I have tried to explain, he WILL disregard texts and calls and isn't really capable of making an appointment. What do I do? Do I call DWP and explain and see if I can be appointee? What does it entail? Is it better for them to see him really struggle at assessment? I really really don't know what to do for the best.
For context, he is diagnosed autistic and has fairly significant communication difficulties. He has been on DLA for 3 years and has just turned 16 hence migration application.
Thank you
I did not register as an appointee because honestly it looked really difficult to do, but my son is NOT capable of filling out the forms, and realistically I don't know how he'll cope with an assessment. I carried out the PIP1 call and explained this and she said I could do the PIP1 and then also do the forms as it is possible to make it clear a parent/carer is filling them out.
I also thought that it would possibly be helpful for an assessor to see how much he struggles to answer questions because it highlights his communication difficulties and I knew I could be present to support.
However he has now had a missed call from maximus, and as I have tried to explain, he WILL disregard texts and calls and isn't really capable of making an appointment. What do I do? Do I call DWP and explain and see if I can be appointee? What does it entail? Is it better for them to see him really struggle at assessment? I really really don't know what to do for the best.
For context, he is diagnosed autistic and has fairly significant communication difficulties. He has been on DLA for 3 years and has just turned 16 hence migration application.
Thank you
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- BIS
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2 days 6 hours ago #303340 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Appointee concern
Hi Bekki
I am really sorry that you find yourself in this position.
I know it might appear daunting to become an appointee, but honestly, you can do it, and you should seriously consider it for the future. You are sweet enough to think that the assessor will understand his difficulties. If you're lucky, they might, but there are plenty of parents on here who know that the assessors have zero understanding of autism. I have family members who have autism and have personal experience of the difficulties dealing with the DWP or the assessors who don't have a clue. If you are his appointee, then you can do all his assessments. Someone who is only listening on the phone will not necessarily pick up his communication difficulties, and if he gives them an answer he thinks they want to hear, there is a risk they will say that he has skills that he doesn't.
Now that you have already started the process, I doubt they will suddenly let you become his appointee, but you need to call them as soon as possible and ask if you can. Even ask if his assessment could be delayed unless they plan to conduct a paper-based assessment. His claim could be at risk if he does not answer the phone. Do you know why they are phoning him?
Even if you are not his appointee, you need to tell them he needs to change his phone number and you give them yours, not his., They may insist that he gives his permission, which means you both have to be present for that call. At least that way you get the call - not him
BIS
I am really sorry that you find yourself in this position.
I know it might appear daunting to become an appointee, but honestly, you can do it, and you should seriously consider it for the future. You are sweet enough to think that the assessor will understand his difficulties. If you're lucky, they might, but there are plenty of parents on here who know that the assessors have zero understanding of autism. I have family members who have autism and have personal experience of the difficulties dealing with the DWP or the assessors who don't have a clue. If you are his appointee, then you can do all his assessments. Someone who is only listening on the phone will not necessarily pick up his communication difficulties, and if he gives them an answer he thinks they want to hear, there is a risk they will say that he has skills that he doesn't.
Now that you have already started the process, I doubt they will suddenly let you become his appointee, but you need to call them as soon as possible and ask if you can. Even ask if his assessment could be delayed unless they plan to conduct a paper-based assessment. His claim could be at risk if he does not answer the phone. Do you know why they are phoning him?
Even if you are not his appointee, you need to tell them he needs to change his phone number and you give them yours, not his., They may insist that he gives his permission, which means you both have to be present for that call. At least that way you get the call - not him
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Wendy Woo
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- Kab
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2 days 5 hours ago #303342 by Kab
Replied by Kab on topic Appointee concern
Hi Bekki,
As BIS says, it’s not difficult to do, it involves a brief visit from DWP visiting officer who will usually arrange the appointment by telephone, and come from local job centre however near or far it is to your home.
The appointment was simply her asking a few questions, from (BF560 then you are issued with paperwork either on the day or within a week. (BF57 this is what you need to keep original and make copies off to send to other departments)
The most difficult part was getting each separate department to acknowledge you are appointee, despite her putting it on the system, there seems to be a disjointed connection or ability to process things added lower in the queue to different departments. Be persistent
But eventually it makes life easier for both you and the person you are appointee for.
As BIS says, it’s not difficult to do, it involves a brief visit from DWP visiting officer who will usually arrange the appointment by telephone, and come from local job centre however near or far it is to your home.
The appointment was simply her asking a few questions, from (BF560 then you are issued with paperwork either on the day or within a week. (BF57 this is what you need to keep original and make copies off to send to other departments)
The most difficult part was getting each separate department to acknowledge you are appointee, despite her putting it on the system, there seems to be a disjointed connection or ability to process things added lower in the queue to different departments. Be persistent
But eventually it makes life easier for both you and the person you are appointee for.
The following user(s) said Thank You: BIS, Wendy Woo
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