Recordng PIP assessments

My husband has just received a letter from the DWP saying he now has to change from his DLA to PIP. He is 63, has Alzheimer’s and in a wheelchair and i have power of attorney. Last year i had my ‘upgrade’ but after my home assessment, the assessor lied on my form leading to complete devastation. This time round i want it all documented truthfully. Can anyone answer these questions please:
1) does the DWP have to be informed of a request to record?
2) does a specific type of recording machine need to be used?
3) has anyone recorded their assessment and are willing to share how it went?

I thank you in advance (a very scared wife)

Thank you Gordon. Can you please clarify - do the recordings have to be on CD & can i use 2 separate recorders? As i have read that the DWP will only allow a dual recorder but these cost £1000 +

Hi EM

I covertly recorded my PIP assessment, Which means I didn't ask anyones permission BUT it was only for my own use,

I got a copy of my assessment and sure enough there were plenty of lies and untruths in it,

Sure enough my PIP was refused as only 6 points on living and 4 on mobility, Sooo I had a Mandatory Review and in this letter I actually told the DWP I had recorded my assessment and wrote down the lies that were said.

I got my reply from the MR (review) and nothing was changed, same points and not a mention of my recording,

Needless to say my appeal went off (12th Feb),

Its annoying they lie but I will not be relying on my recording at the tribunial, I will rely on my medical evidence which is from QUALIFIED specialists and NOT a Nurse who had 8 weeks training and lies through her backside,

I am sure I will win my appeal because the truth will out

My point is even if you record and you get refused then go to appeal if you feel you have good medical backup .

Good luck to you and to everyone else in this position (including me)

ste

Hi Em,

I recorded my PIP assessment with prior agreement from IAS. I also printed out two copies of a recording agreement form which I think was on the DWP website, but can’t be 100% on that. You have to sign them both, as does the assessor, and you keep one copy.

I bought two cassette recorders from Argos. They looked like something out of the 1960’s, but they weren’t expensive. We also bought two external microphones as the mic on the machines were pretty useless. We bought some 90 min cassettes for recording. We only opened the two for recording the assessment once the assessor arrived and gave him a copy when he left, keeping one for us. Good luck.