New PIP clm - Gaslit by HAAS HCP !

Hi Sum

I'm not surprised you are angry. I'm angry on your behalf. The whole point of an appointee is that you can speak on their behalf, and many of the assessors keep trying to bypass this. Depending on the outcome, you might want to file a formal complaint. If your son were able to manage his affairs, he wouldn't need an appointee. The paperwork you filled in to be an appointee says that you can speak on their behalf. My advice to all appointees is to refuse to let assessors to speak to the caimant, and when they mutter some complete rubbish about a safeguarding issue - or any other excuse - tell them you will wait until they sort it out. It's rubbish so they always back down. It's complete bullying.

One thing that strikes me, though, is that the HCP was able to phone your son. If you're an appointee, I would remove your son's telephone number from the DWP records, so they can't use it.

BIS

Hi Sum

Glad you have the report coming. I know what you were told about the phone number - but the fact is your son's phone number is on record. If the 'mistake' can be made one time, it can easily be made again. (And I don't believe a 'mistake' was made - I think it was deliberate.) It's entirely up to you, but the only record the DWP has for the person I'm an appointee for is mine. I don't trust the DWP, but more importantly, I don't want a vulnerable person suddenly being phoned by them and feeling they have to speak. I asked for their number to be removed, and I have checked since to see if they quoted me the number that was previously on the records.

I understand not knowing whether to complain. You have to look after yourself and your son - that's your number one priority and getting through this awkward system. If you choose to complain, do so when you have the bandwidth. You don't have to complain right now. And if you choose never to complain, don't feel guilty about it.

BIS