In cases of complex fluctuation, providing an individual justification for each descriptor can help to ensure this is fully explored and advice justified. I first applied for pip back in 2016 and was awarded a paper based award . 1.3.1 This section describes how to carry out the assessment. 1.15.14 In cases where claimants have a named third party as an appointee, this could be due to the claimant being unable to manage their own affairs as a result of a serious mental health condition or cognitive / learning disability. You may be asked to provide medical evidence as to why you cant attend the assessment centre. Special category data includes the following (Article 9 (1) UK GDPR): personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, personal data revealing political opinions, personal data revealing religious or philosophical beliefs, personal data revealing trade union membership, biometric data (where used for identification purposes), data concerning a persons sexual orientation. 1.6.12 The HP should record a succinct and relevant history of all the health conditions or impairments that affect the claimant. If you have any questions about PIP assessment questions on mental health, please let us know and the team will gladly answer your questions. If the data is sensitive/ special personal data, UK GDPR sets a higher standard for consent which is explained further below (paragraph 1.15.5). Does medication affect PIP value? How can I appeal a decision about my benefits? In these cases, the CM is likely to make a fixed term award of benefit. If the HP cannot obtain further evidence from the GP or other health professional, the HP should by exception consider contacting the claimant. We have translated the site; would you prefer to read in Welsh? The. The HP should also include details of any alterations to medication which have occurred since the questionnaire or supporting evidence was supplied. Simply use the buttons below to share on your social network. 1.6.45 If any element of function is not examined at the consultation, the HP should record why this area was not examined rather than leave the section of the report form blank. Landmark PIP judgement for mental health against DWP For the first time, a Supreme Court judgement has been obtained by a benefits claimant with mental health problems against the DWP for denying entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This may be enough to enable the HP to gather further medical evidence or advise whether the claimant satisfies the criteria for SREL. Score: 4.6/5 (69 votes) . 1.1.3 PIP was introduced in April 2013 for people aged 16 to 64 years and is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults. 1.7.32 In a small number of cases, the claimant may not be aware they are terminally ill. Such a telephone call should be followed up with a written notification to the GP. If the HP has reason to believe that the companion(s) are attending for a reason other than to support the claimant, the HP has the right to decline the presence of the companion(s) at the assessment. In some cases, you might be able to argue that they are discriminating against you. Informal observations should be recorded in the report, for example: I observed them and they appeared to have no difficulty with; I saw him lean heavily on a walking stick when entering the consulting room. I am worried about the cost-of-living crisis. It is essential to describe the claimants function as described both on bad days and on good days for the CM to understand the claimants circumstances and the consequences of their health condition or impairment. They will use drop-down lists, multiple choice answers and text boxes to record your information on a computer. 1.13.5 Where consideration of supplementary advice results in the HP changing their previous advice to the DWP, this should be clearly flagged. Hello and welcome, when you we and I apply for pip we fill in a detailed questionnaire answering questions relating to each of the PIP descriptiors and where we feel necessary add more information reference to the descriptiors we need to. 1.6.49 Claimants who request a copy of their report should be advised that HPs are not authorised to give them a copy at the time of the consultation and that the claimant can request a copy of their report from the DWP. Entitlement to PIP is about the wording in the test; the 10 daily living activities . The assessor will also make a note of your mental state during the assessment - for example, they'll record whether you look depressed or happy, tense or relaxed and how you cope with social interaction. This includes our assessment report and your questionnaire and further evidence. 1.6.60 In some circumstances, claimants may wish to use their own equipment to audio record their consultation. 1.6.62 Video recording of consultations is not permitted. A home environment may also provide either an ideal, good or a very poor environment for testing functional ability, for example, depending on the level of background noise. For example, it may be used to respond to a request for clarification about medication or treatment that affects the claimants health condition or impairment. 1.15.21 If the claimant has a deputy then that means they have lost capacity. Where the claim has been made by a third party, the HP should contact the third party, rather than the claimant as the claimant may not be aware of their prognosis. For daily living- enhanced rate: weekly rate 87.65 and 12 points required. 1.15.6 For consent to be explicit it must be affirmed in a clear statement. 1.7.7 Where a BASRiS form has been provided, DWP should treat it as other medical evidence and refer the claim to the AP for review in all cases. Can I cancel something I've done when I'm unwell? Award rates for all claims (excluding withdrawn cases) between April 2013 and January 2021 show that: 42% receive an award for normal rules new . When making telephone contact with a GP or other specialist, the HP should also endeavour to determine whether the claimant is aware of their illness or prognosis and consider whether the information they have obtained may be potentially harmful. Mind's Director of External Relations, Sophie Corlett says: 1.1.10 The assessment for PIP looks at an individuals ability to carry out a series of everyday activities. They should also provide advice on the mobility component based on the evidence received with the referral and/or gathered at the consultation. If they refuse, you can complain to the assessment centre, DWP, or ask your M.P. What benefits are available for mental health carers? She is under the mental health team who are treating her with combination therapy, including several medications and psychological therapy. His diabetes was not well controlled and he had become depressed. Once good diabetic control was maintained his mental health condition improved so he was not entitled to either component. Helping you understand, manage & improve your mental health and money issues. Can I claim Welfare Benefits if Im living with a mental illness? Simply use the buttons below to share on your social network. In a reasonable time: Does it take you a lot longer to do the activity than it would take most people? 1.7.29 Any DS1500s received direct by APs should not be considered. 1.6.1 In the majority of cases, a consultation will be necessary to accurately assess the claimants functional ability. HPs should be mindful that young people are encouraged to be positive about their health condition or impairment and to focus on what they can do, rather than what they cannot. If the individual is claiming under the Special Rules for End of Life criteria (SREL), the case is instead referred directly to the AP and dealt with as a priority. You can also answer yes if you meet one of the following conditions: Here is another sample PIP assessment question on mental health: Do you need help from another person, guide dog or specialist aid to get to a location that is unfamiliar to you?YesNoSometimes. 1.6.14 The HP should include details of fluctuating conditions, indicating how frequent the fluctuations are, how long exacerbations last and, on balance, how many good days or weeks and how many bad ones the claimant experiences over a specific period of time. It is not intended to cover all the requirements placed on APs as part of the PIP assessment contracts, their full business processes, or work carried out by DWP to monitor and manage AP performance. The HP should consider whether it would be more appropriate to complete clerical form PA2 or the relevant screens in the PIPAT where in their opinion the claimant meets the Special Rules criteria. If you plan to do so, you should call the assessment centre in advance explaining that you wish to record the assessment they will explain what guidelines you will need to follow. This gives the claimant the opportunity to explain to the HP how their impairment or health condition affects them. Am I eligible for Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)? The purpose of the reconsideration is to try and resolve disputes without the need for an appeal. 1.8.13 Report forms should contain where appropriate an overall summary justification or an individual justification for each descriptor choice providing a succinct summary for the CM of the evidence obtained and used in the HPs consideration and the reasons for descriptor choice. Some problems have improved, some have got worse. In this aspect of the PIP assessment with questions on mental health, the health professional will be asking you questions on how you are feeling with your condition. We are a friendly, safe community supporting each other's mental health 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 1.6.44 If an area of function is examined, the HP must record all findings in the assessment report, even if function is found to be normal. It is intended to supplement the contract documents agreed with APs as part of the commercial process, providing guidance for health professionals (HPs) carrying out assessment activity and for those responsible for putting in place and delivering processes to ensure the quality of assessments. Identifying claimants who require additional support with the PIP process, Advice on substantially the same condition, Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment guide for assessment providers, nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3, Severe depression (evidenced by, for example, previous hospitalisation for depression, intensive support from community-based mental health teams or significant input from a psychiatrist or other mental health practitioner), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Dementia or cognitive disorder resulting in cognitive decline, His Majestys Courts and Tribunal Service, review report form (Special Rules for End of Life), supplementary advice note (change of advice), whether another assessment type is more appropriate, any accessibility issues related to the planned location of consultations, a corporate other payee or corporate appointee, a curator bonis or judicial factor (under Scottish law). This kind of assessment is done by Atos or Capita based on your location in the country. 1.6.29 The HP should explore all the PIP activity areas for daily living and mobility, focusing on the activities most likely to be affected by the claimant's condition. . Helps you take control of your household spending. In this brief blog, we will be talking about PIP assessment questions on mental health, what the PIP assessment is for, the procedure of the PIP assessment, and more information about PIP assessment questions on mental health. In such cases the HP may need to seek advice from another person, for example (this list is not exhaustive): a third party (where noted on the claimants case) in order to obtain the necessary evidence, the practice administrative staff (note: information should only be requested from administrative staff if all other sources of evidence have been unsuccessful). 1.12.3 In some cases however, claimants may not be able to engage effectively with the claims process, due to reduced mental capacity or insight for example, they may not understand the consequences of not returning a claim form and not have a PAB to help them. The person chosen is at the discretion of the claimant and might be, but is not limited to, a parent, family member, friend, carer or advocate. Companions should take no part in examinations. The DWP will send you a letter once they have made their decision. Where the AR1 has not been completed and returned, the claim will be sent to the AP who should attempt to contact the claimant and arrange an assessment. where there is uncertainty about descriptor choice because of contradicting or unclear evidence has been received. The assessment considers the overall impact of a claimant's. For urgent help, please see Help & contacts. If the HP identifies such a condition, they have a responsibility notify a suitable person involved in the claimants care. This part of the assessment is an opportunity for you to explain your needs face-to-face. In the case of sensitive/special information, the claimant must be fully aware of the nature and content of the information being processed. PIP assessments usually take place at a centre; however, if you cant attend an assessment centre because you are housebound as a result of a mental health condition, you can request a home PIP assessment. The claimant or their representative may also be able to provide updated information on treatment received or planned. Make a list of points you would like to make during your assessment and take this with you. There may also be activities that could be carried out by the young person, but for which the parent or guardian continues to assume responsibility. In these cases, the HPs do not need to consider entitlement to the mobility questions 11 and 12 on the PA3. For urgent help, please see Help & contacts. This section of the consultation must also explore the impact completing an activity may have on functional restriction immediately following and for the rest of the day. your mental health condition makes using a bus or train difficult. You will be required to talk about how your condition affects you despite detailing it in your PIP form. 1.5.6 For cases where there is marked inconsistency, the claimed level of disability is unexpected based on the available evidence, or it has not been possible to gain sufficient further evidence, a consultation will be required. You can also bring someone with you in the course of your assessment. 1.10.3 In the following instances it would be appropriate to recommend an ongoing award: where the HP considers there to be no likely change to the functional impairment, where the claimant has functional impairment which is not likely to substantially change in the long-term, allowing for short-term periods of functional change in the case of fluctuating conditions, where the claimant has very high levels of functional impairment in both daily living and mobility components likely to reach the threshold for an enhanced/enhanced award, and in which their needs are only likely to increase, such as with progressive conditions. 1.8.1 The assessment report is sent electronically through the PIPAT or clerically, where appropriate, using the following clerical forms: PA2 Review report form (Special Rules for End of Life), PA3 Review report form (paper-based review), PA6 Supplementary advice note (change of advice). HPs are expected to use their professional knowledge, skills and judgement to determine what questions are appropriate to ask about treatment. The case will include form AR1 and any additional information obtained by the CM (see the medical evidence screen in PIPCS.) 1.15.33 The DWP takes confidentiality very seriously and all confidential information should be held securely and in accordance with legislation. The assessor will investigate the information you gave on your PIP form but also make judgements based on what you say and do during your PIP assessment. In this brief blog, we have talked about PIP assessment questions on mental health, what the PIP assessment is for, the procedure of the PIP assessment, and more information about PIP assessment questions on mental health. When advising on descriptors and justifying advice, the HP should consider the functional effects of the claimants health on the majority of days. Proof of consent is not necessary needed before information is released by hospitals, trusts and clinics funded by the NHS or local authorities. How much Universal Credit can I get for mental health? We are a friendly, safe community supporting each other's mental health 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As the disabling condition was not substantially the same he had to fulfil the 3 month qualifying period for both components. Try not to just yes or no to the questions. However, their mental health conditions are likely to persist., 3 year review She is experiencing limitations to her functional ability due to severe depression and anxiety, which she has had for a few years. Instead, and only if a consultation is deemed necessary, the AP must send the invite to the appointee only. He is aged 16 and attends a supported education centre where he is learning independent living skills and undergoing travel training, with the hope of attending college in the future. 1.15.15 An officer acting on behalf of the Secretary of State will authorise an appointee to become fully responsible for acting on the claimants behalf in any dealings with DWP or its contracted APs. He was awarded the daily living and mobility components, both at the standard rate. If they do not turn up then normal failed to attend (FTA) action is taken the DWP will investigate the conduct of the appointee. Advice should be based on the HPs assessment of when there is likely to be a significant change in the overall functional effect of a claimants main disabling condition(s). How are mental health and money worries linked? The issue here is that the DWP may not know whether the power of attorney is a lasting PoA, which must be registered whilst the donor has capacity, then once registered it remains valid even if capacity is lost but DWP is not always told. The advice given by the HP on prognosis will help the CM decide on the type of award. You are most welcome to join today! For example, if carrying out housework or walking outside would mean the claimant was unable to do anything else that day, this should be properly explored and recorded. 1.15.11 In any case where consent is over 2 years old, action should be taken to confirm that it still reflects the claimants wishes. He requires significant support from his carer and his needs are only likely to increase due to the progressive nature of his condition.. 46. HPs should consider which professionals identified can provide useful evidence. 1.14.5 Considerations that the HP should make include, but are not limited to: whether the claimant has a condition which is likely to have fluctuations in the functional effects over time, whether the claimant has a condition which is likely to have sequelae which cause deterioration or fluctuation of function, whether the condition is the same condition but with a different diagnostic label - for example mitral valve disease / mitral stenosis, whether the original diagnosis has been amended but the underlying impairment and functional effects remain the same for example bronchial asthma in the past but now suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is substantially the same condition, whether the same condition is present and responsible for the functional effects but deterioration has occurred due to a second condition. Physical and mental examination: If required, and with your consent, they will conduct a brief physical and mental function examination. The HPs evaluation could include the level of expertise of the individual offering the opinion; their direct knowledge of the claimants health condition or impairment; and whether it is medically reasonable. The HP should contact the most appropriate person involved in the claimants care. HPs should consider whether there is evidence that such an adaptation or adjustment has taken place. Well send you a link to a feedback form. 1.9.1 Entitlement to PIP is dependent on the functional effects of a health condition or impairment having been determined as likely to have been present at the required level for at least 3 months and being expected to last for at least a further 9 months. 1.9.7 Age is not a medical cause of incapacity but it can be an indicator of disease progression. 1.4.15 Where necessary, HPs may seek further information from claimants by telephone. Will I need a Work Capability Assessment to claim benefits? When pain is a significant symptom we would expect the claimant to be able to describe the location, type, severity and variability of the pain they experience and the impact it has on their daily life. You can be eligible for the PIP benefits if you are aged 16 and your State Pension age. Where there is clear and current evidence of a claimants functional examination findings in a particular area, HPs do not need to conduct an examination of that area. You dont become too concerned about the word severe since anxiety and distress can appear different in severe expressions in affected people. For example: She states she has no problems with speech, hearing, or vision. However, some relevant information about the claimants circumstances will be gathered during the initial claim stage and supplied to the AP. Her condition improved with treatment but 6 months later she re-claimed benefit because of depression and paranoia. Babyroobs is right they are turning down more than they award at the moment so just be prepared to make a mandatory reconsideration. Should the AR1 be subsequently received by the DWP, it will be tasked to the document received work queue for the appropriate AP. The HP should always attempt to respond to any issues or concerns they express. The copy of the evidence or HP notes from the evidence should be sent to the CM with the completed report. PIP for mental health assessment may include questions about the person's ability to do the following things: communicating with other people reading and understanding written information planning a journey or following a route preparing and cooking food eating and drinking moving around managing your treatments washing and bathing Once this has been provided, the HP should call the health professional involved in the claimants care again. The PIP medical assessment is computer led and is an opportunity for you to explain how your condition affects you daily so the assessment provider can write an accurate report for the DWP. 1.8.10 It is essential that the CM is made aware of the evidence the HP has used to complete the assessment report. Such cases will be flagged to the AP at the point of referral. Where one single descriptor in an activity is likely to not be satisfied on more than 50 per cent of days, but a number of different scoring descriptors in that activity together are likely to be satisfied on more than 50 per cent of days, the descriptor likely to be satisfied for the highest proportion of the time should be selected. These times have reduced significantly from the peak in July 2014 (42 . Summarising back to the claimant what has been said is useful to show active listening and to ensure that key pieces of information have been correctly heard. This advice applies even if the claimant maintains that they suffer from a high level of functional impairment it is medically improbable that this is the case and a consultation is unlikely to add much useful additional information, since the clinical examination is likely to be unremarkable, there is strong evidence on which to advise on the case and a consultation is likely to be stressful for the claimant (for example, claimants with autism, cognitive impairment or learning disability), the claimant questionnaire indicates a high level of disability, the information is consistent, medically reasonable and there is nothing to suggest over-reporting (examples may include claimants with severe neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, dementia, Parkinsons disease, severely disabling stroke). 1.13.6 Requests for supplementary advice may be made to APs by telephone and/or through the PIPCS and/or the PIPAT, depending on the nature of the request.