KATE's PIP Queries Topic !!!

Re: Home Visit request for PIP assessment

So, the decision about whether I am given a home assessment is not made by the person re-arranging the date for the appointment?

I was wondering if it was the same as when asking DWP for an extension to return the PIP form, the person answering the phone seemed to have power to say yes/no.

kate wrote: Thank you Gordon.

How close to that unsuitable 1st appointment date can I ring Capita to cancel - the day before?

I'll do my best to get that letter recommending a Home Visit from the GP asap. If I don't get it in time - will Capita take any notice of a note from just anyone who knows me?

So, if Capita try and give me another appointment over the telephone, particularly a short notice one, I just say "No thank you - there is a 7 day notice period which I would like you to give me & can you put it in writing." & they must do that?

Many thanks


PS Why does my query have a red excalmation mark next to it ? I hope I've not done something wrong!

Hi k,

"How close to that unsuitable 1st appointment date can I ring Capita to cancel - the day before?"

A couple of days before should be fine !

"If I don't get it in time - will Capita take any notice of a note from just anyone who knows me? "

Probably not, but you can try !!

"So, if Capita try and give me another appointment over the telephone, particularly a short notice one, I just say "No thank you - there is a 7 day notice period which I would like you to give me & can you put it in writing." & they must do that?"

You do not have to accept a short notice one, they should give you 7 days notice, in writing if you request it, but the 7 days notice in writing may run from the date of the letter.

Feedback leads us to believe that they can make re-arrangements up to a maximum of 3 weeks ahead !!

"PS Why does my query have a red exclamation mark next to it ? I hope I've not done something wrong!"

No, you have done nothing wrong !!

When I merged all your topics under this one, I placed an exclamation mark next to the title so that it would stand out and you would find it easily.

As it seems that you have now Bookmarked the topic for future reference, I will change it to a nice green tick !!!

bro58

kate wrote: Re: Home Visit request for PIP assessment

So, the decision about whether I am given a home assessment is not made by the person re-arranging the date for the appointment?

I was wondering if it was the same as when asking DWP for an extension to return the PIP form, the person answering the phone seemed to have power to say yes/no.

Hi k,

No, the person that you speak to on the phone will only be a Customer Service Adviser.

Only a PIP (HP) Assessor can decide whether or not you can have a Home Assessment.

If you wanted to complain and speak to someone with executive powers you would need to request an escalation to a Manager/Supervisor !!

bro58

Well, I rang just to ask if they would consider a home visit. Next thing I nearly fell off my chair when they said yes, in 4 days time.

I tried to say I need more notice (got tongue tied/lost all my words & the b&w advice that 7 days notice in writing is required). I couldn't finish because he was speaking so fast & I couldn't follow him - he did say a couple of times: "I am giving you an available appointment".

Do I have to take this offer ?

kate wrote: Well, I rang just to ask if they would consider a home visit. Next thing I nearly fell off my chair when they said yes, in 4 days time.

I tried to say I need more notice (got tongue tied/lost all my words & the b&w advice that 7 days notice in writing is required). I couldn't finish because he was speaking so fast & I couldn't follow him - he did say a couple of times: "I am giving you an available appointment".

Do I have to take this offer ?

Hi k,

It is of course up to you !!

However, you are legally entitled to at least 7 days notice in writing, (although the 7 days sometimes runs from the date of the letter rather than the date of receipt of the letter) unless you agree to a short notice appointment.

bro58

I've got my Home Visit appointment next week.

Because of my lack of stamina and memory & concentration difficulties, I had help from friends completing the PIP form during short visits (That prolonged the PIP form torture - it took ages! Next time I'll get professional welfare help straight away).

Trouble is - I am now looking at your Guide about what happens at a face to face assessment. The list is massive! Sounds like they go through the form & then want to do an endless inquisition. I can't speak/concentrate for long - 5 or 10 minute light chat & my brain's fizzled. How am I going to get through this Assessment?