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PIP home assessment query

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6 years 1 week ago #208714 by ckkta
PIP home assessment query was created by ckkta
Hi,

I care for my best friend, she currently pays rent in a student property with stairs which have left her confined to the upstairs of her house because of her mobility. She is currently in the process of applying for PIP using this as her address - as until the contract ends in July it is where she officially lives and she cannot break the tenancy agreement. She also requested a home visit as her mobility has declined to the point where she can't walk outside, and can't reliable get dressed every day.

In the application we made it clear that she did spend periods of 4-5 days in my bedsit flat as it it is tiny and has no stairs, she can move from the bed to the sofa some days which is good for her mental health.

In the last few weeks since application, her health has declined further and resulted in her spending more time at my flat as I can care for her here easier and I have other commitments (i am a full time student, so no carers allowance but I am a researcher so I can be home 100% of the time) and her house is now basically uninhabitable for her.

Based on this I have 2 questions:

1. Do we need to inform PIP (or ESA as she is also in the process of applying for this) about her circumstances, not that they have specifically changed officially but she is spending more time here whilst I am in the middle of a particularly strenuous time in my studies as I can't make the back and forth journey every day and she can't prepare food/get water etc.

She does not live here in any official capacity, she just cannot be independent anymore, this is important as she is also claiming housing benefit for the property she has a tenancy agreement for.

2. In regards to our situation - if she gets granted a home visit, can I request the assessment takes place at my flat?

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6 years 1 week ago #208758 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic PIP home assessment query
ckkta

My answer to (1) is in regard practicality. If she/you are able to pick up her mail from her normal address on a daily basis then it should not be an issue with notifying the DWP but if not, then I would, some of the letters that she will be sent in regard her PIP or ESA claims may have very short notice so even a weekly pick up may not be enough.

2. All you can do is ask and see what happens. Obviously if she moves her address to yours, even temporarily, then it should not be a problem.

Gordon

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

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