Home Visit what to expect

Hello Everyone,

My husband is claiming PIP for the first time (not been on DLA previously). Although we did not request a Home Visit Atos are doing a home visit in a couple of weeks.

We wanted to know what we can expect in terms of what sort of tests Atos are allowed to make my husband carry out during the assessment. For example would they ask him to walk a distance so they can assess his walking ability and distance. Any other info would be gratefully received.

Many thanks
Kathy

Hi Kathy
A home assessment can be a good thing as you and your husband are on familiar territory and used to managing at home. However, be aware that you are used to managing in a familiar place, The HP needs to observe how your husbands condition impacts on the descriptor activities. It is not about what you do for him, rather about what assistance he needs to complete the activity for himself. In a supportive partnership, it is easy to say for example " I don't do any cooking, my wife does all of it". For the purpose of PIP this is irrelevant, it is about what aids or help your husband needs to do this himself. Also you do not need to make any special effort on the day, the HP will not want to look around your home, try to be as real as possible, warts and all, no need to impress the HP.
It shouldn't be about luck, but I do wish you the best of luck for the best future you both can have

Hi Everyone

Home assessment went reasonably well, although the assessor was extremely business like and quick firing with her questions. The result was my husband got standard rate for for both care and mobility.

Things were omitted from her report and we have put in an MR.
I read on another site (when this site was down!) that when you put in an MR the original assessor reviews their own report before the DM (different one to the original) makes their decision. I was a bit surprised about that, not that I had put anything derogatory in the MR about her - just stated the facts. I hadn't seen this anywhere on this site though and wondered if it is correct that the original assessor reviews their own report.

Thanks
Kathy

Hi
Although I have read various things I am still not too clear on what happens when someone reaches 65 on the mobility component of PIP.
For example if someone is awarded enhanced mobility aged 64 for 3 years, what happens when they are reassessed at age 67 - could they possibly receive a further award for the mobility component (whichever rate) or because they are over 65 at that point would that component no longer apply?
My apologies if this should be obvious.

Kathy