I am currently completing my PIP review form. I noticed that there is nothing mentioned in the form about face-to-face assessments. I am housebound and in the past I have been expected to provide a letter from my GP to state that I will need a home visit if they wish to see me face-to-face. I have always sent this in with the forms. Is this still necessary? I do not want to ask my GP to do unnecessary work, especially as half the staff at the surgery are currently off sick with Covid but I don’t want to get caught out and get called to a face-to-face assessment that I have no hope of attending.
Also, I am concerned that some people with my condition are being given 2 hour phone assessments for PIP. I struggle to talk on the phone for 15 minutes and it would be totally impossible for me to talk for two hours. Is there anything I can do to prevent them from requiring me to do this?
Due to the pandemic, I have very little evidence to send in so I think it is likely they will want me to have some kind of assessment.
The DWP have not started home assessments as yet. Telephone assessments are routinely being carried out. You can ask for a paper-based assessment and state why a phone assessment would be difficult. Make the request on your review form (or on an additional piece of paper). If they disagree you can appeal.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
