Guidance after submitting PIP form

Hi Harry

Many claimants would favour a paper-based decision so that they don't have the trauma of an assessment. However, one of the disadvantages is that a claimant can't make their case and has to hope they have sent in paperwork that is understood. Generally, if someone has a paper-based decision, there is no chance for the assessor to ask questions or clarify anything (unless they choose to do a follow-up call - which they occasionally do). Having said that, there are many claimants where paper-based decisions are much better for the claimant. One of our members with a wife with a neurological condition recently had a telephone assessment, which was stopped after ten minutes because the assessor said that it should have been a paper-based one. The assessor recognised the wife could not give an account of herself because of her language, communication and processing difficulties. If your wife is in a similar position, it makes sense for you to request a paper-based decision rather than her put through the added trauma of an assessment. If they refuse to do one, you can always appeal.

BIS