PIP Assessment

This is also a very useful link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

They provide excellent descriptions, that give a good insight into the assessment criteria. For example, if you look at their example description below you can see why the person who can make a sandwich was given 0 points as they had enough patience to carry out the task from start to finish, plus they were able to do this safely (they didn't cut themselves with the knives). They are also able to carry out this task repeatedly. If they're able to open packets and use the ingredients to prepare a sandwich, plus they have the skill level to use knifes, it could be assumed that they will be able to learn how to use a simple microwave (mine's operated by one knob) to create a meal, such as jacket potatoes and beans.

2.2.28 Ms Z can prepare and cook a simple meal. However, she lacks a perception of danger and occasionally cuts herself from mishandling knives or burns herself on hot pans. She is also impatient and does not cook food for as long as it should be cooked, as a result she prepares food that is lukewarm and meat that is not cooked properly – for example, chicken that is pink in the middle. Her sister usually has to be in the kitchen when she is cooking meals to make sure she does so safely and to remind her to leave food to cook fully. 

• safely – Ms Z lacks a perception of danger and has previously cut and burnt herself. The HP should therefore conclude that descriptor A is not suitable for Ms Z as she cannot do so safely. Descriptor B, descriptor C and descriptor D are also not suitable as they do not remove the potential danger from using knives and hot pans. Descriptor E reflects the support that Ms Z needs in order to ensure her safety while cooking and is therefore the most suitable descriptor regarding safety

• to an acceptable standard – Ms Z is impatient and does not cook food for as long as it should be cooked. As a result the food is lukewarm and meat is not cooked through. The HP must consider whether that is an acceptable standard and in this case would conclude it is not. The HP should therefore conclude that descriptor A is not suitable because Ms Z is unable to do so to an acceptable standard. Descriptor B and descriptor C are also not suitable as they do not help Ms Z to complete the task to an acceptable standard. Descriptor D best describes how Ms Z is able to cook a meal to an acceptable standard and is therefore the most suitable descriptor regarding the standard

• repeatedly – this is satisfied as Ms Z is able to cook all of her meals

• in a reasonable time period – this is satisfied as Ms Z has not indicated it takes her an overly long time to cook her meals

2.2.30 In this case there are 2 possible descriptors – D and E. For a descriptor to apply, all aspects of reliability must be satisfied. As descriptor D does not describe a manner in which Ms Z is able to carry out the activity safely, the HP should select descriptor E.

This is worth looking at to understand how the points are allocated.

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system

I did find it useful to employ an expert to help me complete the form as she knew the scoring System well and was able to complete the form in the most favourable terms. Diverse abilities is the name of the organisation but they only work in Dorset 

Have a meltdown, I will help with you’re assessmen, I’m having to reapply as when I went to my assessment a seemed ‘normal’ resulting in them thinking there is nothing wrong with me. 

Also as hard as it is, try and think about you’re answers before you speak, don’t answer with what you think they want to hear, be honest. 

Other than that, pretty much everything plastic has said and gd luck, you’re gonna need it. 

I don't feel the need to take anyone with me as I attended my initial and renewal assessments alone and was awarded PIP both times. I do take a piece of paper and a pen and explain how due to anxiety, plus poor auditory memory, I often get overwhelmed in interview type interactions so may need the time to write down what they're saying and a few minutes to bullet point my answers. After all, putting strategies in place and explaining what you do this further demonstrates some of the challenges you face day-to-day. I've recently added a diagnosis and due to this had an assessment at home on a Sunday morning. As my husband was in he sat around the table with myself and the assessor and I explained he was there as he was able to add extra info if it was felt I could answer a question more thoroughly. 

The assessment is simply a conversation to check what you've put on the form is true, so they may say things like 'you said you struggled with x, can you please explain this to me'. They're looking for you to talk about the issues/strategies you put on the form, if you talk about additional issues/strategies they'll provide prompts for what they're looking for. If you have any extra evidence to back up the statements on your form you can add it at the interview stage.

The evidence needs to specifically relate to what you're saying. For example, someone a few weeks ago submitted a copy of an academic maths qualification to prove they had budgeting issues and unsurprisingly they scored zero points for this area as an academic certificate doesn't specifically evidence budgeting issues. Suitable evidence for this is bank statements showing the need to constantly use an overdraft even when their income is enough to cover their bills and everyday living expenses. have been awarded points in this area in the past.

I see assessors as individuals who've simply applied for posts that often have better pay and hours than what they had before e.g working as a nurse. I don't believe they're out to get me and treat them with respect, including offering them a drink, checking there ok sat where I've positioned them etc. Having an open mind makes the situation a lot less stressful than going in with a pessimistic attitude.

It would also be useful to double-check the descriptors as a lot of people complain they haven't been awarded points when they're confused by the criteria and the examples they've put clearly demonstrate they are capable in this area.

You must take someone with you to be a witness to the proceedings.   If your mind goes blank, you won't remember what has been said so if they try to coerce you into agreeing that you're perfectly fit and coping ok, you need someone to stop them.

The whole thing with PIP is points make prizes - so you must hold firm if they try to claim you cope ok.  

It's mainly about looking after yourself - feeding yourself, cleaning yourself, toilet issues, mobility (physical) mobility (anxiety/mental problems), social/communication issues, financial responsibility etc.

A classic is claiming that being able to sometimes make a sandwich means you can feed yourself - the rule is cooking a hot meal from fresh ingredients - safely, regularly etc.   They try to bend the rules to deny people with invisible disabilities.

Unfortunately, in their eyes, turning up to the assessment means you can navigate safely, answering their questions means you can communicate clearly, their car park is normally miles away so you can obviously get about etc. etc.   it's fairly well stacked against you.

Where do you think you score points?