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DLA to PIP query

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7 years 1 month ago #179529 by TheDayToday
Replied by TheDayToday on topic DLA to PIP query

Gordon wrote: It's the distance that you can reliably walk on the majority of days that you need to specify on the form.

Ticking "it varies" should not be a problem providing you explain exactly how it varies and for how long in detail.


OK. Explaining that in detail will be difficult, but I will do my best today. Frankly I could write pages about this. I do wonder if there is any correlation between brevity (or lack thereof) and being given a face to face.

Another question if I may.. I shall have a number of extra sheets, letters and reports. Do I recall correctly that you advise attaching these in some way as they can 'go missing'? There would be to much material to staple do you have any recommendations if so?

I presume just number each sheet 1 of X, 2 of X and so on...

Thanks as always..

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7 years 1 month ago #179551 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic DLA to PIP query
TheDayToday

Most people, including myself have a tendency to waffle on their first draft, so I would do one today and then look at it tomorrow to see if you can re-phrase it to be more effective. There's no right or wrong amount of information to provide, but claimants should always opt for brevity where they can.

Every extra page needs your full name an NIN at the top and I would number each page as you have suggested as "page X of Y".

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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7 years 1 month ago #180285 by TheDayToday
Replied by TheDayToday on topic DLA to PIP query
Hi Gordon

Thanks, I tried for brevity, but with difficulty. One has a gut feeling that if there's an abundance of material to read, an assessor will not give the PIP2 their full attention, and instead give it a cursory assessment and kick it down the road for a f2f.

I feel I've given the best answers I could whilst fraught with anxiety, corroborated with cross referenced extra information from various sources including my Dr, but I just feel that's a likely outcome in my case. It was not possible to distill a multitude of interrelated health issues, including mental health issues - into a compact easily digestible form - without undermining what I'm trying to convey, so it's bulky.

Can you tell me what the approximate referral rate is for face to face assessments currently? This is something I dread because of my communication difficulties.

Also I read with interest your just released notes on the tribunal relating to ‘Planning and following a journey' - something which could have a bearing on my claim. Can you say when the outcome of this tribunal is likely to have an impact on assessments?

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7 years 1 month ago #180325 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic DLA to PIP query
TheDayToday

When PIP was introduced 98% of claimants were having face to face assessments. the DWP asked the APs to increase Paper assessments to 20% but we don't see anything like this number on the forum, best guess is that it only went up to about 10%.

The UTT Decision applied as soon as it was published but I would read the guide carefully, it's not the big change that a lot of members seem to think that it is.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: TheDayToday

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7 years 1 month ago #180810 by TheDayToday
Replied by TheDayToday on topic DLA to PIP query
Thanks Gordon.

I seem to recall a press narrative along the lines of "too many people are being assessed on paper".

98% would seem to be the response to that - regardless of distress caused - and excessive or DWP wouldn't be backing off.

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7 years 3 weeks ago #182601 by TheDayToday
Replied by TheDayToday on topic DLA to PIP query
I now have a home assessment date - pleased to be assessed at home but concerned that ATOS is unlikely to send someone with the required experience to make any sort of valid assessment of a (formally diagnosed) high functioning autistic.

I understand they are just working to descriptors and don't care about the condition but for example I have profound communication and sensory issues, which are relevant to descriptors, but not immediately apparent - certainly not to those with little experience.

Likewise I'm bothered they might make false assumptions based on trite observations, eg appears to be intelligent, uses a computer, etc. Also in constant pain, but after years of pain without pain killers, naturally it doesn't show on my face.


Couple of queries:

1. Can I mitigate trite assumptions like these somehow?

2. If I'm sent somebody completely unqualified to make judgements in my case do I have any recourse?

3. Would you recommend pursuing recording at this late stage : I have about week to get approval including post. (I didn't appreciate I should have contacted them earlier.) I will have a support worker in attendance so a witness. My hunch was recording would induce more honesty from an assessor have you found that to be the case.

4. I am physically unwell pretty much every day but not 'on command'. I have been attempting to document episodes of my being unwell for my own records using video and audio. If I'm not unwell at the time of the assessment, would I be able to replay examples as evidence?


TIA

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