PIP audition tips and what to expect in your phone, video or audition

Latest data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals the majority of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are carried out remotely over the phone. However, under new social welfare reform plans, the number of face-to-face examinations is set to increase from April.

Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms previously said the DWP would “increase the number of health professionals at assessment centres” in order to “increase the number of face-to-face, rather than remote PIP assessments”. The latest figures show that in September last year, about 68,000 (77.5%) PIP reviews were conducted over the phone, 12,000 (13.8%) were based on paper, 4,400 (5%) in person and 3,300 (3.%) by video call.

Sir Stephen shared the figures after a shadow job and pensions spokeswoman for the Conservatives, Helen Whately, asked about the role of face-to-face PIP reviews, reports the Daily Record.

In his written response, the DWP Minister explained: “In the latest Autumn Budget, the government has reinforced the commitment it made in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, to increase the face-to-face assessment for disability benefits. All assessment providers have contractual requirements to raise the proportion of face-to-face assessments, and progress is expected to be planned and controlled from time to time.

“The department is working closely with providers to strengthen capacity, with the important goal of hiring qualified health professionals to support delivery in the testing centers. With these measures, the department will achieve the government’s goal to increase the share of face-to-face PIP examinations to 30% from 5% in 2024.”

PIP assessments are defined

More than 3.9 million people across England and Wales currently receive PIP payments ranging from £29.20 to £187.45 every week, which equates to £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks’ pay. Almost half a million Scots are the beneficiaries of the abolished benefit, the Elderly Disability Payment, which has increased PIP north of the border for all new and existing claimants.

A PIP assessment gives you the opportunity to discuss how your condition affects you – it is not a health assessment or medical examination. The DWP will look at the evidence from the assessment to determine whether you should be awarded PIP.

A health professional will carry out your assessment, compile a report and pass it on to the DWP decision maker. If you’re waiting for an interview, it’s important to have a copy of your PIP proof form handy for phone, video and face-to-face interviews. This allows you to go back to it, especially if it was filled a few years ago.

Discuss how your condition affects you

Practical guidance on the Citizens Advice website says you should be prepared to discuss how your condition affects you, even if you have already explained it in your PIP evidence form (PIP2 document).

This may be difficult, but it would be helpful if you could explain:

• the kind of things you struggle with, or can’t do at all – for example, walking up the stairs without help or remembering to go to meetings.
• how your condition affects you every day
• what a bad day is like for you – for example, ‘On a bad day, I can’t walk at all because my injured leg hurts so much’ or ‘On a bad day, I’m so depressed that I can’t concentrate on anything’

Think about what you say and do during the test

The assessor will use the information you have provided on your PIP claim form but will also make decisions based on what you say and do that day. For example, they may ask you how you got to the center for the face-to-face examination – if you say you came by bus, without further explanation, they may write a letter stating that you can travel alone by public transport – unless you specify otherwise.

You may also be asked to perform other physical activities during the facial examination. Don’t feel compelled to do things you wouldn’t normally be able to do. If you do them on the day of the test, the examiner may think you can do them all the time, so if you are uncomfortable with something – say so. During the telephone test, you may be asked to describe how you do simple tasks such as preparing and cooking food, washing and dressing, and how you get around outside the home. Don’t rush to answer, remember that they are reviewing your application form and asking the same questions that you have already answered.

Stop, think and answer

Break down your answer and guide them through how you complete the tasks step by step to give an accurate indication of how your disability or health condition affects you.

What may seem like a long process to you, will show how well you accomplish tasks to the auditor – so don’t try to rush or simplify the process.

The examiner will take note of your state of mind during the examination – for example, they will record whether you appear or sound depressed or happy, tense or relaxed, and how you manage social interactions.

Things to remember during the exam

• Don’t let the examiner rush you and try not to just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to their questions.
• Always try to explain how doing something will make you feel afterwards and the impact it would have on you if you had to do it repeatedly in a short period of time.

You can have someone with you during the test over the phone, video call or in person, just remember to put the phone on speakerphone and let the examiner know who is with you. Take someone with you to a face-to-face trial for support

The DWP provides guidance on going to the inspection, which you can find on the GOV.UK website here. You are allowed to bring another person to the reality check if they are 16 years of age or older. It can be anyone who helps you feel comfortable, such as a friend, family member or carer. If you wish, they can participate in discussions and take notes for you.

Before you go for a facial examination

Check with your testing provider that your testing center has everything you need – if it doesn’t, you can ask for it. This can help you feel more comfortable that day.

Here are several examples:

• ask if you will have to go upstairs, and if there is a wheelchair accessible lift if you need one
• ask how much space the facility has if you’re worried about confined spaces – if the rooms or hallways are small, tell them this might be a concern and see what they can offer.
• ask for an interpreter or co-signer if you need one – do this at least two days before your test so they have time to arrange it.
• ask for the evaluator to be of the same gender as you, if that is important to you
• ask if you can make an audio recording of the test – you must do this three days before your test and ask your provider about the rules for using the recording equipment.

Changing location

If your appointment is more than 90 minutes away by public transport and you find it difficult to walk a long distance, you may be offered an alternative location or personal visit. Also, check the guidance published on GOV.UK as it includes travel ban advice for England, Scotland and Wales.