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What happens at an assessment?

When the HCP has read your form they input some data into the computer system. The assessment properly begins when they call your name in the waiting room. At this point the HCP assesses: Did you hear your name being called Did you rise from your chair unaided, did the chair have support arms or not Were you accompanied – assessing your ability to go out alone Were you reading a paper while waiting – assessing your concentration Did you walk to the assessment room unaided, did you use any aids correctly. Did you navigate any obstacles safely – assessing sight The HCP will shake your hand on introduction – assessing your handshake, noting if are you trembling, sweating – signs of anxiety. The HCP carefully scrutinises everything you do and say. The HCP will often ask on way to waiting room: How long you’ve been waiting – assessing ability to sit, physically, and appraising your mental state How did you get here today – assessing ability to drive or use public transport Formal assessment begins by listing medical conditions/complaints. For each complaint you will be asked: How long have you had it, have you seen a specialist Have you had any tests, what treatments have you had What’s your current treatment. Have you had any other specialist input e.g. physiotherapy, CPN The HCP will use lack of specialist input/ hospital admissions to justify assessing your condition as less severe. Medications will be listed and it will be noted if they prescribed or bought. Dates will be checked on boxes to assess compliance with dosage and treatment regime. Any allergies or side-effects should be noted. A brief note is made of how you feel each condition affects your life A brief social history will be taken – who you live with, if have you stairs in your house or steps outside your house Employment history taken – asking when you last worked, what you work entailed, reason for leaving employment Your typical day – this is the part of the assessment where how you function on a day to day basis is used to justify the HCP decisions. Anything you say here is what is most likely to be used to justify you failing your assessment and being passed as “fit for work”. Along side this, the HCP records their observations. Starting with your sleep pattern, questions are asked around your ability to function. This will include: Lower limb problems – ability to mobilise to shops, around the house, drive, use public transport, dress, shower Upper limb – ability to wash, dress, cook, shop, complete ESA form Vision – did you manage to navigate safely to assessment room Hearing – did you hear your name being called in waiting room Speech – could the HCP understand you at assessment Continence – do you describe incontinence NOT CONTROLLED by pads, medication. Do you mention its effects on your life when describing your typical day Consciousness – Do you suffer seizures – with loss of continence, possible injury, witnessed, or uncontrolled diabetes HCP observations include – how far did you walk to examination room, did you remove your coat independently, did you handle medications without difficulty, did you bend to pick up your handbag Formal examination consists of simple movements to assess limited function. Things the HCP also looks at: Are you well presented, hair done, wearing make-up, eyebrows waxed Do you have any pets – this can be linked with ability to bend to feed and walk Do you look after someone else – as a parent or carer- if you do, this will be taken as evidence of functioning Any training, voluntary work, socialising – this will be used as evidence of functioning Do you watch TV – this may be used as evidence of being able to sit unaided If you wear jewelry it will be assumed you have sufficient dexterity to open the clasps on chains and so on This is not a comprehensive list, but it gives you an idea of how seemingly innocent questions are used to justify HCP decisions to pass you as “fit for work.” For example, “Do you watch soaps on TV?” is translated as “Can sit unaided for at least half an hour” on the report. Mental Health: Learning tasks – Can you use a phone, computer, washing machine Hazards – Can you safely make tea, if claiming accident, there must have been some emergency services involvement, e.g. fire service. Near miss accidents do not count Personal Actions: Can you wash, dress, gather evidence for assessment Do you manage bills Further observations made by the HCP – appearance and presentation: Coping with assessment interview – any abnormal thoughts, hallucinations, confusion Coping with change – ability to attend assessment, attend GP or hospital appointments, shopping and socialising More HCP observations: Appearance, eye contact, rapport, any signs/symptoms that are abnormal mood/thoughts/perceptions. Any suicidal thoughts Coping with social engagement/appropriateness of behaviour – any inappropriate behaviour must have involved police to be considered significant Ability to attend assessment, engage with assessor, behave appropriately Again, this is not an exhaustive list, merely some examples. Further information: At present to qualify for ESA you need to score 15 points, unless the Exceptional Circumstances Regulations apply to you. The 15 points can be a combination of scores from physical and mental health descriptors. To qualify for the Support Group you must score 15 points in one section. As long as you are claiming income-based ESA then your award can be renewed at each assessment, if you gain 15 points. You may also qualify without meeting the 15 points criterion, even if you don’t score any points, because of Exceptional Circumstances (Regulation 29 and Regulation 35, (or 25 and 31 for Universal Credit – see link at the foot of article) if there would be a substantial risk to your mental or physical health if you were found not to have limited capability for work. Regulation 29 is about exceptional circumstances for being assessed as having limited capability for work (WRAG) , and Regulation 35 is about  being assessed as having limited capability for work-related activity (Support Group). Special cases – exemptions from assessment include those people having:  terminal illness, intravenous chemotherapy treatment and danger to self or others if found fit to work. Contribution-based ESA lasts for 1 year only, unless you are in the support group. After 1 year in the work-related activity group, you may only get income-based ESA if your household income is below a certain threshold. It makes no difference how long you have previously paid National Insurance. Appendix Most Atos HCPs are not doctors, they are usually nurses or occupational therapists. There are some conditions that will mean you need to be assessed by a qualified specialist nurse, or a doctor and you can ask for this. List of conditions judged suitable for assessment by neuro trained nurses/any health care profession: Prolapsed intervertebral disc Lumbar nerve root compression Sciatica Slipped disc Lumbar spondylosis Lumbar spondylolisthesis Lumbar spondylolysis Cauda equina syndrome Spinal stenosis Peripheral neuropathy Neuropathy Drop foot Meralgia paraesthetica Cervical spondylosis Cervical nerve root compression Cervicalgia Nerve entrapment syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome Trapped nerve Paraesthesia Tingling Numbness Brachial plexus injury Polyneuropathy Dizziness Vertigo Essential Tremor VWF Alzheimers List of conditions judged by the DWP and Atos Healthcare as suitable only for assessment by doctors: Stroke Head injury with neuro sequelae Brain haemorrhage/Sub Arachnoid Haemorrhage Brain tumour Acoustic Neuroma Multiple Sclerosis Motor Neurone Disease Parkinson’s disease TIAs Bulbar Palsy Myasthenia Gravis Muscular Dystrophy Guillain-Barre Syndrome Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Syringomyelia Neurofibromatosis Spina bifida Polio Fits (secondary to brain tumour) Learning difficulties (with physical problems) Nystagmus Myelitis Bells Palsy Trigeminal Neuralgia Paraplegia Quadriplegia Huntington’s Chorea Huntington’s Disease

At your PIP Consultation

On arrival you will be greeted by a receptionist who will be able to answer questions you may have about your consultation. The receptionist will ask you to provide proof of your identity, your arrival will be recorded on our computer system, and we will offer you a travel expense claim form. Open Discussion The consultation will be conducted by one of our Health Professionals, who is trained in disability assessments, and will be able to assess the impact of your health condition or disability on daily life. You will be treated with dignity and respect throughout the consultation. The Health Professional will have reviewed your How Your Disability Affects You form before your consultation, and any supporting evidence you have provided before your appointment. You will be encouraged to discuss a range of topics that relate to your daily life. The Health Professional will make a record of your discussion during the consultation, which you will be able to view. Functional Examination The consultation will not be a full physical examination or an attempt to diagnose your medical symptoms. It will focus on how your life is affected by the challenges you face as a result of your health condition or disability. Each person is different and will be treated as an individual. Any physical examination that may be required will only involve you performing simple movements relative to your condition and within your abilities. You will not be asked to do anything that will cause you discomfort. This examination may also include a Mental Function Assessment which will be tailored to your individual situation. The Health Professional may also be able to see some of the difficulties that you have with certain tasks during the time you spend together, which can add further value to the report. Taking Notes During the Consultation You might wish to make notes during your consultation. We are not required to take a copy of these for the DWP, nor do we need a copy of them. We ask that you retain the notes for your personal use only. Recording Consultations It is possible for you to audio record your consultation. There are certain requirements that DWP have set for the audio recording of consultations, which have been listed below: You can request to audio record your consultation by calling our Customer Service Centre, but you will need to provide your own equipment. Inform us beforehand that you wish to record your consultation, which can be done by calling our Customer Service Centre. Please let us know as soon as possible, as we may not be able to accept requests made on the day of your consultation. Your recording equipment must be able to produce two identical copies of the recording at the end of the consultation, either in audio cassette or CD format. You will need to give one copy of the recording to the Health Professional undertaking your consultation, at the end of the consultation. Devices like PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones or MP3 players are not acceptable recording devices. You will need to sign an agreement that sets out what you are and are not allowed to do with the recording. We will keep our copy of the recording securely for a maximum of 14 months. After that time, we will destroy it. We don’t normally pass the recordings onto DWP and they do not use it when deciding on your entitlement and award of PIP. It is also useful to note that if you try to record the consultation without contacting us before hand and agreeing with the requirements set out above then your consultation may be stopped and we may have to pass your case back to DWP. Waiting Times and Length of the Consultation We ask that you arrive on time for your consultation and we will see you as promptly as we can. There is no set duration for consultations because we treat all claimants individually and we recognise that people have differing needs according to their health conditions or disabilities and the impact of these on their daily lives. Typically, consultations last up to 60 minutes. Who Will Perform Your Consultation Our Health Professionals are highly skilled and trained to accurately assess the impact of health conditions and disabilities on your daily life, using DWP criteria. They come from NHS organisations, hospitals and other health backgrounds, so they have experience working with people in all kinds of complex and challenging circumstances.

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Autism and PIP claims

 What is a Personal Independence Payment (PIP)? Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is gradually being replaced by PIP for those who are aged 16-64. Children who are already in receipt of DLA and about to turn 16 will gradually be re-assessed for PIP. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a new benefit for people who need help taking part in everyday life or find it difficult to get around. How does PIP work? The PIP assessment aims to test your ability to participate in everyday life. It is points assessed and based on your ability to perform 12 activities related to your daily living needs and mobility. The number of points you score will determine whether or not you are entitled to either component (mobility and daily living) of PIP and if you are, at which rate. You can qualify for either or both components and each can be paid at different rates. You can only score one set of points from each activity. If two or more apply, you will receive the highest point score. What is assessed? 10 daily living activities: - Preparing food - Taking nutrition - Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition - Washing and bathing - Managing toilet needs or incontinence - Dressing and undressing - Communicating verbally - Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words - Engaging with other people face to face - Making budgeting decisions 2 mobility activities: - Planning and following journeys - Moving around What is the process? The first step will be to call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP,) PIP claim line: 0800 917 2222.   The DWP will ask you a few questions, to ensure you meet the basic rules for claiming PIP. These include if you have a mental health condition, a behavioural condition, learning disability or developmental disorder. These questions are designed to highlight additional help you might need throughout the PIP process.  After phoning the DWP, you will be sent a claim form, PIP2, called ‘How your disability affects you’  You will need to complete the form with supporting evidence  The DWP passes your form to a healthcare professional (HCP), who will decide if more information is required  The HCP will decide if a face to face assessment is needed or if they have enough evidence to make a paper decision  The HCP send a report to DWP and a decision is made  You will then receive a letter from the DWP with a decision  If you disagree with the decision, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and can send further reports or information  If you further disagree, you can appeal to an independent tribunal You can only claim PIP on behalf of someone else if:  You hold Power of Attorney for that person, or  You are an appointee who's been authorised by the DWP to claim benefits on behalf of that person, or  You are applying to become an appointee, or  The person you are claiming for is terminally ill. The forms PIP is made up of two parts, Daily Living and Mobility. Each part can be paid at either a standard or enhanced rate. You may have to attend a face to face medical assessment, as part of the claim process. When you return your claim form, you should send as much supporting evidence as you can because PIP is awarded on a point scoring system. Your claim is decided on a 12 month period, looking back at a 3 month period and forward to a 9 month period. To get the standard rate for either component you will score between 8 and 11 points, for all the activities in that group. To receive the enhanced rate for either component, you will score 12 or more points for all the activities in that group. You have one month to return the PIP claim form Remember decision makers at the DWP do not know the person claiming PIP, so they can only go on the information submitted on the form. If you have completed the form on behalf of someone else, it is important that you state this on the form, or by  adding a covering letter. PIP1 form PIP1 is the initial claim form, which can be completed by either phone or in writing. Once you have completed this, a further detailed form is sent to you, a PIP2. You must complete and return a PIP2 form which asks about your disability, the difficulties you have and the help you need. PIP2 form The PIP2 form consists of the following sections: Q1 Professionals you see List the professional(s) best placed to advise on your circumstances. This could include a GP, hospital doctor, specialist nurse, community psychiatric nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker, counsellor, or support worker. Q2 About your health conditions or disabilities List all your health conditions or disabilities and ensure you list all health conditions or disabilities, even if you think they are small. Q3 Preparing food Many people use microwaves and convenience foods, but the question is about preparing and cooking a meal for one person from fresh ingredients. If you do not use fresh ingredients to cook with, say so. The outcome of a meal is cooked food for one, which is properly cooked and edible; it is not about your cooking ability, nor the nutritional value of the meal, it is about the ability to prepare and cook a meal. If you get exhausted from preparing and cooking a meal and can only do it once a day, then you cannot do it repeatedly. You may wish to include some of the following points:  I have a ritual, meaning meals take a long time to prepare  I am at risk of cutting myself or another person  I do not understand the fire risk involved; electrical appliance and / or burning / scolding from pans  I do not think about food, mealtimes do not mean anything to me  Anxiety makes me feel sick, so I go without food  When I do eat, it is junk food like biscuits and chocolate  I starve myself as a control issue and cannot prepare food  I shake so spill food a lot and need help to clean up afterwards  Everything has to be in line with my rigid thinking, or I have to start from the beginning again  I have to be encouraged to eat and I need help to prepare food. Ensure you state how someone prepares food for you Q4 Eating and drinking This question is not just about the process of eating and drinking, but can include cutting up food, the act of getting food and drink to the mouth, chewing food and swallowing. Include aids or adaptions used for this activity. Some examples include:  I cannot eat in front of other people and binge on junk food in private  When my anxiety is bad, I get up in the night and binge eat  I only eat certain textures, for example, beige coloured food and set menus  I have to look, smell and feel food before eating it  I have always been hypersensitive to food  I have a fear of contamination and have to prepare food in certain ways  I cannot touch food when eating it, if this happens I have to throw the food away  I am on a casein / GF / Wheat Free diet, this was recommended by the autism research unit after they carried out IgE levels  I have chronic digestive problems, so need to follow my diet very carefully  If I do not follow my diet I will have constipation or diarrhea Q4 Extra information – Eating and Drinking Important for those with autism; you may be able to feed yourself, but you might spill food, or only eat with visual prompts or someone telling you to eat. Remember to explain if you miss meals because you forget. The following may also be applicable:  I need someone to help me with support strategies to eat  I need someone to motivate me to eat  I use a special plate with compartments / dinner winner plate etc  I stuff food in my mouth and choke  I need to be reminded to drink  I need someone to help me follow my special diet Q5 Managing treatments If you use a pill box, alarms, and visual reminders because of autism and not as a convenience, you must explain why they are needed. Any therapy must be carried out at home and not in a medical centre. If you go somewhere elsewhere for Speech and Language Therapy, this will not count. If you require help to carry out Speech and Language Therapy at home, this will count. The length of time prompting and assistance takes, not the length of time the therapy takes, will count. The following may be applicable:  If I failed to carry out my therapy and / or take my medication it would lead to a deterioration in my health and wellbeing  I forget to take my medication  I will not take my medication  I can get violent if I am made to take my medication  I forgot how many tablets I have taken  I have a phobia / problem going to the dentist / doctor / opticians which I have to do on a regular basis  I don’t believe I have autism (plus other conditions), so I do not take my medication or attend therapy  The side effects of my medication make me drowsy  I have overdosed on my medication  I have to be supervised that I do not take too many tablets or become fixated on my therapy Q6 Washing and Bathing This section is about your ability to keep your body clean. The following may be applicable:  I am obsessive around cleanliness and take a long time to complete washing / bathing activity  I have to have the water excessively hot  I stay in the shower / bath longer than normal  I have to use a timer / aids / adaptions  I have a wet room  After I have washed / bathed / showered I am not clean to an acceptable standard and I am reminded to go back and wash  I can go days / weeks without washing / shaving / washing my hair  I am supposed to put creams on my skin and I forget to do this  I have to wash my hands and body in a certain way and a certain number of times  I think my body is changing and I get distressed  I cannot look in mirrors because I might see something that causes me stress / melt down  I read the bible and shaved all my hair in the shower to find the bad mark Q7 Managing toilet needs This includes the ability to go to the toilet and manage incontinence. This section also includes any assistance needed during periods:  I am unable to motivate myself to clean up after an accident  I need help to clean the toilet  I suffer with incontinence  I am unable to use the toilet as other individuals of the same age. Explain how you use the toilet  I go to the toilet in inappropriate places  I do not always realise I need the toilet and someone else will tell me  I cannot transfer the knowledge and routine I have in my toilet at home to unfamiliar toilets  I remove all my clothes when I go to the toilet  I do not remember to wipe myself and then get sore  I forget / don’t use sanitary protection  I don’t dispose of sanitary protection  I have poor co-ordination and motor skills and cannot use tampons independently  I cannot open the packaging of sanitary towels  Someone has to draw on my underwear where the sanitary towel should be placed  Due to sensory issues, I can only wear sanitary products for a short time  I do not know how often a sanitary product needs changing Q8 Dressing and undressing This is about the ability to dress or undress yourself:  I need reminding to get dressed and undressed  Someone has to physically dress and undress me  I wear unsuitable clothing for the weather. This is because of my autism and is not a personal choice. I then get too cold or too hot  I wear the same things every day, unless I am told to put different / clean clothes on  I dress in flamboyant clothes which means people stare and laugh at me and then take advantage of me  I go to bed without undressing  I take my clothes off at the same time, because I have a set ritual  I have taken all my clothes off in the street and then someone has had to re-dress me  My anxieties are often so extreme that I cannot make decisions about what clothing to put on  I need a lot of encouragement and persuasion to get dressed / undressed  I need someone to check that I am properly dressed and wearing clean clothes  I can only wear clothes that are free of tags, buttons and zips  I need a visual sheet that shows me the process of getting dressed and undressed  I have numbered stickers on my clothes, so I know in which order to get dressed  I have to put my clothes in the drier before putting them on, cold clothes stress me and cause me to have a meltdown Q9 Communicating The ability to understand is also part of this section:  I cannot / I struggle to understand spoken information and to be understood myself  I become agitated and frightened talking to people  I get so anxious that I cannot concentrate on what people are saying to me  I cannot say what I want to say  I cannot ask for help  I get confused between what someone has said and what is inside my head  I get angry with people and then become verbally / physically abusive  I forget things I have been told and I need things to be written down  I cannot answer the phone or door due to high levels of anxiety  I forget messages I have been given  I hide and do not open my post  I have to have someone with me to help me understand and be understood  I telephone my parents / siblings / carers at strange hours, looking for reassurance or to go over something that is bothering me  I call emergency services for trivial things  I have rapid speech, which means people do not understand what I am saying  I have difficulty communicating my needs and wants Q10 Reading You can score points in this section because your autism means you cannot read and understand, not because of lack of education. For example, did you require extra help at school?  I cannot read and understand written information  I have difficulty understanding bank statements. If you can understand a bank statement, this will be accepted that you can read and understand.  I cannot read or understand forms or official letters, I need help  I attend / I attended a SEN school / college and had / have a Statement of SEN / EHC Plan  I attended a mainstream school and have / had a Statement of SEN / EHC plan  I was given a scribe and reader for my exams, because I struggle with reading / do not understand the exam questions  I have dyslexia  I wear coloured glasses when reading  My autism means I have difficulty understanding language and communication, which affects my ability to read  Although I can read, I often do not understand what I have read and I have poor comprehension Q11 Mixing with other people Use examples of any incidents that have happened when mixing and interacting with other people:  I cancel appointments because of anxiety and I am unable to engage with other people  I become agitated and / or aggressive around other people. This must be because of your autism and not through preference  If someone talks to me, I panic and become very anxious  I have had to leave shops without the items I need to buy because of other people  I have no desire to socialise  I do not like people, they make me feel unsafe  It is a challenge for me to mix and interact with other people  I would like to mix with other people, but I do not have the skills or know how to socialise  I only meet with people I know every couple of weeks  I cannot see something from another person’s point of view and this causes people to get angry with me  I am over confident and this irritates people Q12 Making decisions about money This is about your ability to make decisions regarding spending and managing your money:  I cannot make budgeting decisions  I forget / do not understand that I have to pay bills  I make bad decisions about what I buy. If you make a bad decision over a purchase, this should be a direct result of your autism.  I often lose control of my decision making ability  I spend all my money without the thought of consequence  I would be easily exploited over money matters  I am not interested in money, it does not mean anything to me  Budgeting and money management is very difficult for me and I need another person to help me  I have ended up in debt because I am unable to manage and make decisions about money  I can add and subtract but do not understand / get confused about the value of money; I cannot apply maths to money and everyday life  I give my money away to other people because I am very trusting and believe what people tell me  When I am paying for something, I empty all my money on the counter and then start counting it. This annoys the person serving me and people in the queue, but this is the only way I can pay for things Q13 Going out Your ability to work out and follow a route to another place, including using public transport:  I cannot cope with unexpected changes to a journey  I cannot cross roads safely in familiar and unfamiliar areas  I cannot get home safely from an unfamiliar place as I cannot approach people to ask for directions  I require a journey to be planned by someone else for me  Due to my autism, I have difficulty following directions  Someone needs to keep reminding and prompting me on a journey  I lack an awareness of danger for example, running into the road, getting lost and ending up in an unsafe situation  I often feel like I might hurt people, so avoid going out  When I have been out, I have been taken to the police station / hospital because I have become agitated and anxious  I think I can stop the traffic and will walk into the road without warning  I cross the road to avoid people and do not check the road is safe first  I have to follow a ritual, like touching things or not stepping on certain parts of the pavement  The intensity of the fear and anxiety I feel when I go out makes my life miserable and unhappy  I cannot cope with loud noises / bright lights / car horns / sirens  I cannot go out when it is windy in case a tree falls on me or a meteorite falls from the sky  I think I might catch a disease from going on public transport  I have a GPS tracker on my phone, so that people know where I am  I cannot anticipate problems outside and plan for them  I have to have a visual strategy when going outside, so I know in advance  what I will be doing and how long I will be out Q14 Moving around The difficulties or help you need to physically move around. Guidance states walking should be carried out in an upright position:  I have an unusual gait when walking, I walk on my tip toes  I cannot sit still and I stim  I cannot stay in bed and need someone to make sure I stay safe in the night time at home  I wear orthotics  Because I have hypermobility I get very tired  I have poor posture and this means I cannot walk upright  I have poor co-ordination skills and bash into objects  I have difficulty processing sensory information Q15 Additional information This is your chance to send in all relevant reports about your condition. If you are known to a charity or independent organisation, ask them to write a letter. It is important and, cannot be emphasised enough, that the more information you have about how your autism affects you, the better. Send in details of any current medication you are taking, or repeat prescription(s). If you use visual aids, timers etc send details of these. If you have used a diary to support your claim, send that. If you are going to send in letters marked ‘confidential,’ ensure you black out the word ‘confidential,’ they will not be forwarded to the assessing organisation. Write a synopsis of ‘issues I face daily due to my autism.’ Ensure you make copies of everything you are sending for your own records. You may want to add some of the points below to above descriptors or to your ‘additional information.’ It does not matter that you repeat yourself:  People find it hard to understand me because I say strange things  I have hurt myself  I get urges to set fire to objects / buildings  I have gone off without telling people where I am going  I spend money I have not got  I offend people all the time by saying / asking inappropriate things / questions  I have to wear ear defenders / earplugs  I have stalked someone because I misread the signs of them being kind to me  In order to fit, in I mimic mannerisms and behaviours of other people  I will often just agree with what people are saying to me  I cannot go to bed or get up without someone encouraging me  My sleep is very poor and I feel exhausted when I wake up  I like to shut myself off from the world  Day and night feel the same to me and I am often stimming into the early hours  I cannot switch off my thoughts / worries / anxieties  Because I need routines and ‘sameness’, this makes acquiring life skills difficult for me  Because of my social difficulties, I need help understanding not just what needs doing, but why  I have considerable anxiety and insecurity  I have difficulty understanding what is happening around me  I have the inability to predict what will happen  I have broken the law and committed crimes  I struggle to learn life skills  I can only go to the shops on quiet days and when I have somebody to help me  I have obsessions and repetitive behaviour, which prevents me from learning new skills  I do not understand the concept of waiting, this causes me great anxiety  I use a timer and visual timetables  I cannot live independently and require support and supervision  I am over / under sensitive to touch, I cannot shake hands  I easily become overwhelmed in loud or crowded settings  Due to my autism, I dislike certain clothing or layers of clothes  I have great difficulty understanding and following spoken instructions  I will often seek out stimulation in the form of touching, stimming, moving, smelling and crashing into things. This causes stress and upset to people around me  I cannot process multiple information simultaneously  I cannot start and finish a task  I have poor planning and organisational skills  I will often act on impulse and this causes me to get into trouble  I will display intense emotional reactions and often over exaggerate  I have shutdowns where I will withdraw and be unresponsive  I have meltdowns where I will become aggressive, disrupt others and / or self-harm  I need tasks broken down with visual strategies so they are clear and concise to me  My home has motion detectors, because I run out of the house then wander off Remember  If you are not fit to travel you can ask for the face to face assessment to take place at your home.  You can take someone with you to the assessment.  You can submit additional information at the assessment  You can record your assessment, but must provide a copy to the HCP at the end of the session  If you do not turn up for your face to face assessment without good reason, your claim will be turned down-unless you did not get 7 days notice. Personal Independence Payment Enquiry Line Tel: 0345 850 3322 

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Help filling in your PIP claim form

(credit:  KATHY LAMPRELL·MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2017)

Use our Personal Independence Payment (PIP) guidance to help you fill in your PIP claim form. There is advice for each question, including:

what the questions mean

what to write about in your answers

examples of answers people might give

help explaining how your illness or disability affects you

PIP is based on how your condition affects you. It's not based on your particular illness or disability, or your medication.It’s very important to think about each question. Our help pages will help you to decide if you need to answer each question. REMEMBER THE TRIGGER WORDS; REPEATEDLY, RELIABLY, SAFELY AND IN A TIMELY MANNER WITHOUT INCREASE IN PAIN. You need to give the DWP details of any health professional you've seen about your condition.Include:

doctors, GPs, consultants and nurses

counsellors, psychotherapists and occupational therapists

people like care workers, support workers, social workers and physiotherapists

their contact details - in case the DWP need to know more about your condition

the date you last saw them

If you don’t know the exact date you last saw them it's ok to just give the year.If a family member or friend cares for you, add their details at Question 15 Worth knowingIf you’ve not seen a health professional in the last 3 months it’s a good idea to try and get an appointment with them. This way you can tell them you're claiming PIP and explain the day-to-day difficulties you have so that they're up to date if the DWP contact them. Help with Q2; Listing your Conditions, Medications and Treatments Question 2aList all the physical and mental health conditions and disabilities you have and the date they started. You don't need to go into any detail about how your conditions affect you - you can add these details in questions 3 to 15.You don’t need to be too specific about the date if you’re not sure - the year it started will be enough. Question 2bList all the tablets, medications, treatments and therapies you use and any that you're about to start.    This includes anything you pay for yourself (for example, painkillers) as well as anything you’ve been prescribed.If you've got a printed prescription list you can attach this to your claim form - write your name and National Insurance number on it. Important You don't have to record the frequency, dosage and reason you take it.  If you’re not sure whether a tablet, medication, treatment or therapy is relevant, it’s best to include it anyway. Side effects from medicationIf you have medication to help you with side effects from another medication, you should include it. Also, if there’s medication you should take but can’t because of the side effects you have, include it here too.Example Mary takes a pain-relieving tablet for arthritis and this tablet makes her feel sick. Her doctor prescribed her a tablet to stop her feeling sick.

Q3: preparing and cooking a meal

What this question meansThis question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

prepare a simple meal for one

heat it on a hob or in a microwave until it's safe to eat

The hob or microwave must be at waist height so the DWP is not interested in any difficulties you have bending down. It’s unlikely your idea of a simple meal is the same as the government's. It’s helpful to base your answers on this example: peel, chop and boil 2 large potatoes, open a tin of sweetcorn and fry a small piece of meat or fish.Question 3aDo you use an aid or appliance to prepare or cook a simple meal?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick “yes” if:

you need to sit down while preparing or cooking - a stool or similar counts as an aid

you have a prosthetic limb

you take rest breaks while preparing or cooking

you use an aid either all the time or sometimes

Question 3bDo you need help from another person to prepare or cook a simple meal?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if:

you're likely to undercook or overcook your food

someone helps, reminds, encourages, supervises or assists you

someone stays with you or checks on you to make sure you're safe

you're at risk of injury (like burning, scalding)

you need help but don't get it

Extra information: what to write

It’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box. It’s your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to prepare and cook a meal. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get. Aids you use List all the aids you use including things like stools or prosthetic limbs. Never miss an aid off your list because you think it's obvious, and always:

explain how they help you

explain what would happen if you didn't use them

make it clear if a health professional advised you to use them

include any that would help you if you had them

include any that your condition prevents you from using

Worth knowingExplain if you use an aid to reduce mental or physical feelings (like pain, discomfort or tiredness) when preparing or cooking a meal. Make it clear if it only reduces that feeling and that you still experience something. Someone reminds, encourages, supervises or assists youMake it clear if you need help but don’t get it.if you get help, say who helps you (for example, a relative or friend) and explain:

why they help

how they help

how often they help  

Make it clear if you need them to:

remind you to prepare or cook a meal

explain how to prepare or cook a meal

physically help you

help with all or some of a task

help you all of the time or just sometimes (if it's too difficult to predict - say this)

be on hand - for example, help only if needed or to make sure you're safe

Always explain what happens (or would happen) if you don't get help. For example:

you're more likely to have an accident or injury

you're more likely to experience physical or mental symptoms like pain, discomfort or tiredness

it'll take you at least twice as long to prepare or cook a meal as someone without your condition Safety: accidents or risk of injury

Tell the DWP if you have (or are likely to) injure yourself or someone else while preparing or cooking a meal. For example, you're likely to burn or cut yourself, fall over, undercook or overcook the food or there's a risk of fire. Make it clear if it's because:

you didn’t get help or supervision

you have trouble concentrating

you get confused

Time it takes

Think about whether it takes you at least twice as long to prepare or cook a meal as someone without your condition. Try to explain how long it takes. It's ok to estimate but say if you are. If it's too hard to estimate explain why - for example, because your condition fluctuates. Remember to:

include time for breaks if you need them

explain if it takes you even longer on a bad day

say if it takes longer if you have to do it repeatedly Good days and bad days

Explain how you cope on both good days and bad and how you manage over a longer period of time (like a week). This gives the DWP a better picture of how you cope most of the time. Make it clear:

if you have good days and bad days

how often you have bad days

if you have bad days more often than not

how your difficulties and symptoms differ on good days and bad - for example, you can't finish preparing a meal or you only use pre-chopped vegetables

It's ok to estimate your bad days but say if you are. If it's too difficult to estimate - explain why. For example, because your condition fluctuates. Symptoms like pain or tiredness Explain if the difficulties you have preparing or cooking a meal cause you any physical or mental symptoms (like pain, discomfort, tiredness or lack of motivation).  It's helpful to explain the symptoms and give an example, including:

how often you have them

how long they last

if they're likely to increase the risk of an accident

if they affect your ability to carry out any of the other activities on your PIP claim form

ExampleBrian can prepare his breakfast without help, but because this leaves him tired (physically and mentally) he can't prepare his lunch. On a bad day (which is about twice a week) he will often be too tired to get dressed or go outside. Q4: eating and drinking What this question meansThis question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to eat and drink.This means being able to cut up food into pieces, put it in your mouth, chew and swallow it.You should say if you need prompting or reminding to eat, as well if you have physical difficulties.Question 4aDo you use an aid or appliances to eat or drink?

yes                

no                

sometimes       Question 4b

Do you use a feeding tube or similar device to eat or drink?

yes              

no              

sometimes

Question 4cDo you need help from another person to eat or drink?

yes            

no              

sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if:

someone reminds, encourages or supervises you

someone physically helps you

someone stays near you to make sure you’re safe or not at risk

you need help but you don't get it - for example you forget to eat or you have an eating disorder

Extra information: what to writeIt’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.It's your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to eat and drink. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get.You use a tube feed systemIf you use a feeding tube into your stomach, or a feeding line into your veins, consider whether you need any help with this.You’re more likely to get PIP if someone helps you, so it’s important to say:

who helps you

how they help you

what would happen if you didn’t have the help

Aids you useThink about what aids you need to eat and drink including things like weighted cups and adapted cutlery. It might help to imagine eating out or at a friend’s house instead of your own.List all the things you use and why you need them - for example if you have to use a bowl instead of a plate to avoid spilling your food. Never miss an aid off your list because you think it's obvious, and always:

explain how they help you

explain what would happen it you didn't use them

make it clear if a health professional advised you to use them

include any aids that would help you if you had them

include any aids that your condition prevents you from using Someone physically helps you

If someone helps you to eat or drink, explain what they do and why.If you need someone to help you cut up your food then explain why they need to, and what would happen if they didn't.Also explain if you avoid eating any particular types of food because it needs to be cut up, or it's too fiddly. For example if you don't eat fish because of the bones but you could if someone cut it up and de-boned it for youIf you can't get food or drink to your mouth at all and someone has to do this for you, explain who does this for you, why they need to, and what would happen if they didn't.If you can't feed yourself then you should definitely get PIP. Someone supervises you for your safetyThis means that someone is with you when you eat or drink. They don't have to be constantly watching you - they just have to be around. For example, this could be because you're at risk of choking.If you've had problems with eating and drinking in the past, say what happened and why - for example that you had an epileptic fit whilst eating. Someone prompts, reminds or encourages youThink about whether you ever skip meals. This could be for many reasons such as:

trying to eat causes you pain or leaves you exhausted

you can’t face it

the thought makes you anxious

If you don’t eat regular meals, try to explain why and how often this happens. Try to be specific about whether you’re prompted, reminded or encouraged, and who does this.Here are some examples:‘I'm recovering from an eating disorder, and although I think I'm getting better I find it hard to eat more than once a day and I very rarely eat breakfast or lunch.My partner has to talk me into eating a meal and usually has to make it as I wouldn't prepare anything for myself. She makes sure I eat most evening meals, but if she's not there I don't bother.''My medication makes me feel queasy and sometimes it makes me sick after I've eaten. I try to put off eating in case it makes me ill. My mum tries to come round most days to check up on me and see that I've eaten. I'll eat because she's there telling me to, but I'll avoid it if I can.'Time it takesThink about whether it takes you at least twice as long to eat and drink as someone without your condition.Try to explain how long it takes. It’s ok to estimate but say if you are. If it’s too hard to estimate explain why - for example, because it depends what you try to eat, or your condition fluctuates.Remember to:

include the time for breaks if you can't eat a meal in one go

explain if it takes you even longer on a bad day

explain if it takes longer to eat later in the day, or when you're tired

Good days and bad daysExplain how you cope on both good days and bad days and how you manage over a longer period of time (like a week). This gives the DWP a better picture of how you cope most of the time.Make it clear:

if you have good days and bad days

how often you have bad days

if you have bad days more often than not

how your difficulties and symptoms differ on good days and bad days

what extra difficulties and symptoms you experience on a bad day - for example you find it very difficult to swallow and can't finish a meal

It’s ok to estimate your bad days but say if you are. If it’s too difficult to estimate - explain why. For example, because your condition fluctuates. Symptoms like pain, breathlessness, anxiety and tirednessExplain whether the difficulties you have eating or drinking cause you any physical or mental symptoms (like pain, discomfort, tiredness or feeling down).   It's helpful to explain the symptoms and give an example, including:

how often you have them

how long they last

if they're likely to increase the risk of an accident

if they affect your ability to carry out any of the other activities on your PIP claim form Q5: managing treatments What this question means

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

manage your treatments

monitor your own health, including your mental health

take action to stop your condition getting worse

Tell the DWP about treatments you have in your home that have been prescribed or recommended by a medical professional.If you need someone to help you with therapy, for example physiotherapy exercises or home dialysis, the DWP wants to know the amount of time they help you for in an average week. Be as specific as you can. Worth knowingRemember to think about all the medications, treatments and therapies you use for your conditions or disabilities, for example:

inhalers and nebulisers

liquids

creams and lotions

injections (eg insulin if you’re diabetic)

suppositories

ear and eye drops

tablets

physiotherapy

osteopathy

compression bandages

a dressing for a wound or ulcer

home dialysis

exercises to prevent complications Tick box question 5a

Do you use an aid or appliance to monitor your health conditions, take medication or manage home treatments? For example using a dosette box for tablets.

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick “yes” if you:

use a dosette box (a pill box with compartments) to make sure you take the right medicines at the right time

need an alarm or reminder to make sure you take your medication at the right time

Tick box question 5bDo you need help from another person to monitor your health conditions, take medication or manage home treatment?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if you need help:

applying creams or lotions

with tablet bottles or blister packs

with treatments, for example changing dressings

with therapies, for example physiotherapy exercises

monitoring conditions, for example checking your blood sugar levels or taking your temperature

monitoring your mental health

You should also tick "yes" if you need help but don’t currently get it.Extra information: what to write It’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.It’s your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to manage your treatments. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get. Aids you useList the aids you use to help you including things like dosette boxes and alarms. Never miss an aid off your list because you think it's obvious, and always:

explain how they help you

explain what would happen if you didn't use them

make it clear if a health professional advised you to use them

list any items that would help you if you had them

include any that your condition prevents you from using

Example answer for PIP question 5

“My friend helps me with my treatments and therapies for around an hour a day.“She comes to my home twice a day to put a clean dressing on the ulcers on my legs, as recommended by the doctor. It takes her 10 minutes each time to remove the old dressing. It then takes 10 minutes to clean the ulcers and another 10 minutes to apply the new dressing."For 30 minutes each day she will help me with my physiotherapy exercises. She has to hold my legs in a certain position while I do the exercise - it’s not something I can do by myself. After doing my exercises I am usually in pain for a couple of hours.“She also helps me with my medication to make sure I take the right tablets at the right time. I take 6 different types of medication which means taking 20 tablets a day and I find it very confusing to work out what needs taking and when.” Q6: washing and bathing What this question meansThis question is about whether your condition makes it difficult for you to wash or bathe in a standard bath or shower that hasn’t been adapted in any way.It’s also about whether you use any aids or appliances to help you wash or bathe.Question 6aDo you use an aid or appliance to wash and bathe yourself, including using a bath or shower?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick “yes” if you use:

a grab rail

a hoist to help you get in and out of the bath

a shower seat

a long-handled sponge

anything else that helps you wash or bathe

You should also tick "yes" if you need to use something to help you but don’t at the moment.Question 6bDo you need help from another person to wash or bathe?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if you need someone to help you:

get in and out of the bath or shower

wash a specific area, for example above your waist

wash too much, for example if you have a condition like OCD

can’t tell whether you’ve cleaned yourself properly

You should also tick "yes" if you need help from another person but don’t currently get it.Extra information: what to write It’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.It’s your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to wash or bathe. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get.Worth knowingIf doing this activity causes problems with other activities on the PIP form, remember to write about your difficulties in the relevant question. Aids you useSomeone reminds, encourages, supervises or assists youSafety: accidents or risk of injuryTime it takesGood days and bad daysSymptoms like pain, breathlessness or tiredness Example answer for PIP question 6“I find it really hard to have a bath by myself. I feel really low for most of the week - usually around 5 days out of 7 - and don’t get out of bed on some of those days.“My husband works so I am usually on my own during the day and it’s not safe for me to have a bath. I have to wait for him to be there.“Once my mood was so low I ran a bath and didn’t think about checking the temperature of the water before I got in. It was boiling hot and I scalded my ankle and foot.“Also my medication makes me feel dizzy so it would be dangerous for me to get in and out of the bath on my own. The last time I had a bath by myself I slipped and fell in and banged my head.” Q7: managing toilet needsWhat this question meansThis question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

get on and off an unadapted toilet seat

clean yourself afterwards

if applicable, manage your incontinence

The DWP is not interested in the difficulties you have getting to the bathroom or managing your clothes - for example, unzipping your trousers or undoing a belt. If you have difficulties with these, you can explain them in

question 8

.Try not to feel embarrassed, miss out information or put on a brave face. If you do, the DWP won’t get a true picture of how your condition affects you and this can make it harder to get PIP.Question 7aDo you use and aid or appliance to go to the toilet or manage incontinence?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick “yes” if:

you're incontinent

you use an adapted toilet seat or toilet - for example, it has handrails

you don't use a toilet - for example, you use a commode or catheter instead

you use an aid either all the time or sometimes

Question 7bDo you need help from another person to go to the toilet or manage incontinence?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if:

someone helps you (even if it's just with your aid - for example, dealing with a used portable bidet)

someone is around in case you need help

someone reminds you to go to the toilet

someone explains how to clean yourself properly

you need help but don't get it

Extra information: what to writeIt’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.It's your chance to give the DWP a true picture of the difficulties you face because of your condition. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get. Aids you useSomeone helps, assists or reminds youSafety: accidents and risk of injury or infection Time it takesGood days and bad days Symptoms like pain or frustration Explain if the difficulties you have getting on or off the toilet, cleaning yourself or managing your incontinence cause you any physical or mental symptons. For example, pain, tiredness or stress.It's helpful to explain the symptoms and give an example, including:

how often you have them

how long they last

if they're likely to increase the risk of an accident or you soiling yourself

if they affect your ability to carry out any of the other activities on your PIP claim form - for example, you're so anxious about managing your incontinence that it prevents you from going out  

ExampleSarah finds it difficult to manage her toilet needs so she doesn't eat or drink properly or go out with her friends as much as she used to because she's anxious about having to go to the toilet. Q8: dressing and undressingWhat this question meansThis question is for you to describe any difficulties you have dressing and undressing. This means putting on and taking off unmodified, appropriate clothes (including shoes and socks).'Appropriate clothes' means clothes that are appropriate for:

the weather

the occasion

the time of day

Try to think about how you get dressed and undressed. It might help to imagine getting dressed at someone else’s house, or in a changing room of a shop.Question 8aDo you use an aid or appliance to dress or undress? Aids or appliances could include shoe horns, modified clothing e.g. front fastening bras, velcro fastenings etc

yes

no

sometimes Question 8b

Do you need help from another person to dress or undress?

yes

no

sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if:

someone reminds you

someone encourages you

someone supervises you

someone stays with you to make sure you’re safe or not at risk

someone helps you in any way - it doesn't have to be physical help

Question 8 extra informationIt’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.It’s your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to dress and undress. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get.You can't get dressed or undressed on your ownYou have difficulties with some items of clothingYou need prompting, reminding or encouraging to get dressed or undressedYou need help to choose appropriate clothes to wearAids you use, or adapted clothing Q9: communicating verbally What this question meansThis question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

speak to others so that you're understood

hear and understand what other people are saying to you

It doesn't matter whether English is your first language - you’ll be assessed on whether you have difficulties communicating in your first language.If you're deaf or partially deaf this is the most important question on the form.Question 9aDo you use an aid or appliance to communicate with others?

yes

no

sometimes

You should probably tick “yes” if you use:

a hearing aid or an electro larynx

something else to help you at home, for example a light-up doorbell or textphone

you use an amplifier that helps you hear conversations

you use an aid either all the time or sometimes

Question 9bDo you need help from another person to communicate with others?

yes

no

sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if:

you need an interpreter or signer

a friend or family member fills in the gaps in conversations

you lip-read but need help with more complex conversations

you have Asperger’s syndrome or autism and find it difficult to communicate with people

you have Tourette’s syndrome

your medication makes it difficult to concentrate on a conversation

you need help but don't get it

Extra information: what to writeIt’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.It’s your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to communicate. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get.Worth knowingIf your condition makes you anxious, or if you need someone to help calm you down or make sure you’re safe when you’re communicating with people, you should explain this in question 11, Mixing with other people.. Aids you useSomeone encourages, supervises or assists youTime it takesGood days and bad daysSymptoms like pain, breathlessness or tiredness Q10: readingWhat the question meansThis question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

read information that is a standard text size (not large print)

read signs - for example, emergency exit signs

read indoors and outside

Base your answers on reading and understanding information in your own language and how you cope with long sentences or something like a gas bill, timetable or bank statement.  The DWP is not interested in your English language skills or how well you remember things.Question 10a Do you use an aid or appliance other than spectacles or contact lenses to read signs, symbols and words?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick “yes” if you:

use large print or audio formats

use special lamps or lights to help you read

need to take rest breaks while reading

use an aid either all the time or sometimes - for example, you only use a blue screen indoors Question 10b

Do you need help from another person to read or understand signs, symbols and words?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" and give more detail in the extra information box if:

you have a learning disability

someone helps or encourages you to read - for example, they read a menu for you

someone explains written or printed information to you

you need help from someone but don't get it

Extra information: what to write It’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.If you use Braille, make sure you say this. It’s your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to read and understand information. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get.Aids you use Someone reads for you or helps youTime it takesGood days and bad daysSymptoms like tired eyes, squinting, blurred vision or dizziness If you're affected by sight lossContact RNIB for help completing these forms. Q11: mixing with other peopleWhat the question meansThis question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

meet people and mix with them

judge situations when you're with other people and behave appropriately

establish relationships with people - for example make friends

You should think about how meeting and mixing with other people makes you feel - both strangers and people you know.The DWP isn’t interested in whether you choose not to meet and mix with people because you don’t want to. They want to know how your condition makes you feel when you do.Question 11aDo you need another person to help you to mix with other people? Help includes someone:

prompting or encouraging you to do so

being there to support or reassure you, and

helping you understand how people are behaving towards you

This includes help you have and help you need but don't get.

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick “yes” if you:

need someone with you when you meet people you don’t know (for example to introduce you to them and start a conversation)

need someone to be with you when you meet and mix with people

don’t know how you’re going to react when you meet and mix with other people (for example you might become aggressive)

need someone with you but you don’t currently get that help

Question 11bDo you find it difficult to mix with other people because of severe anxiety or distress?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if you:

become anxious when you meet and mix with other people

don’t like the idea of mixing with other people

avoid mixing with other people because of the anxiety and distress it causes you

Extra information: what to writeIt’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.It’s your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to mix with other people. They'll use this to decide if you can get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need if you don’t currently get any.Someone prompts, reassures or supports youSafety: accidents or risk of injuryGood days and bad daysTime it takesSymptoms like anxiety, distress or confusion Q12: making decisions about moneyWhat the question is askingThis question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to manage everyday purchases and transactions.This means things like:

paying in shops and restaurants

budgeting for and paying your bills, for example utility bills, credit card bills

budgeting for bigger things, such as a TV or sofa

It’s about the decisions you need to make rather than whether you can physically get money out of a purse or wallet to pay for things.Question 12aDo you need someone else to help you to understand how much things cost when you buy them or how much change you'll receive? Help includes someone:

encouraging you

reminding you to do it or how to do it and

doing it for you

This includes help you have and help you need but don't get.

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick “yes” if you need help:

paying in shops and restaurants

understanding how much things cost Question 12b

Do you need someone else to help you to manage your household budgets, pay bills or plan future purchases? Help includes someone:

encouraging you

reminding you to do it or how to do it and

doing it for you

This includes help you have and help you need but don't get.

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if you need help understanding:

how to make your money last

how to pay your bills on time

what happens if you don’t pay your bills, for example your gas might be cut off

how to save for a specific item, like a TV

Extra information: what to write It’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.It’s your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to make decisions about money. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get.Someone reminds or assists youTime it takesGood days and bad daysSymptoms like confusion or discomfort Explain whether the difficulties you have managing your money cause you any physical or mental symptoms (like confusion, discomfort or tiredness).  It's helpful to explain the symptoms and give an example, including:

how often you have them

how long they last

if they're likely to increase the risk of an accident

if they affect your ability to carry out any of the other activities on your PIP claim form Q13: going out What the question really means

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

plan and follow a route to a place you know (it doesn't matter how you get there)

plan and follow a bus or train route to a place you don't know

cope in places that you don't know

if applicable, leave the house because of stress or anxiety

The DWP is not interested in how you cope with long journeys - think about getting to local places (like a local shop or friend's house). Also, they're not interested in your ability to walk - you can describe your walking difficulties in

question 14

. This question is especially important if you have sight or hearing difficulties, learning disabilities, autism, stress or anxiety. Question 13a Do you need help from another person to plan a route to somewhere you know well? Or do you need another person, guide dog or specialist aid to help you get there?

Yes

No

Sometimes

Base your answer on what you can manage most days. You should probably tick “yes” if:

you need help but don't get it

your stress or anxiety make it difficult for you to go out

you find it hard to cope with large crowds or loud noises  

you find it hard to cope with unexpected changes to a journey - for example, roadworks or diversions  

you only attempt a journey during quiet times of the day - for example, when the shops aren't busy or there's less traffic on the road Question 13b

Do you need help from another person, guide dog or specialist aid to get to a location that is unfamiliar to you?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if:

you need help but don't get it

someone helps or encourages you to go out

someone goes out with you

your mental condition makes using a bus or train difficult

you can't plan a route to an unfamiliar place yourself

you find it difficult to cope with unexpected changes to a journey - for example, bus diversions, train cancellations   Question 13c

Are you unable to go out because of severe anxiety or distress?

Yes

No

Sometimes

Don't be put off by the word 'severe' - people experience anxiety and distress in different ways.Extra information: what to write It’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.It’s your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to plan or follow a route, or go outside. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get.Orientation aids and guide dogs Someone helps, encourages or reassures youTime it takesGood days and bad daysSymptoms like distress, anxiety, fear or nervousnessSafety: accidents, risk of injury or getting lost If you can drive   If you can drive you need to make it clear if:

someone else plans your route

you can go out alone in your car

you can only drive to places you know

your doctor has advised against you driving

your medication affects your ability to drive Q14: moving around What this question means

This question is about how your condition makes it difficult for you to:

stand safely without help

walk safely without stopping and without help Question 14a

How far can you walk taking into account any aids you use?

less than 20 metres

�between 20 and 50 metres

between 50 and 200 metres

200 metres or more

it varies

Base your answer on what you can manage most of the time (ie, on a regular and repeated basis) and don't over estimate your ability.  For example, if you can't regularly and repeatedly walk 50 metres then don't say you can. You should probably tick "less than 20 metres" if you can't stand up or walk.How far is 20, 50 or 200 metres? Questions 14bDo you use an aid or appliance to walk?

Yes

No

Sometimes

You should probably tick "yes" if:

you use a prosthesis, swing crutch or similar

you take rest breaks while walking any distance

you use an aid all the time or sometimes Question 14c

Do you use a wheelchair or similar device to move around safely, reliably and repeatedly and in a reasonable time period?

Yes

No

Sometimes

Tick "yes" if you use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or similar. Extra information: what to writeIt’s important you tell the DWP more by explaining your situation in the box.It’s your chance to give the DWP a true picture of how your condition affects your ability to stand and walk. They'll use this to decide if you get PIP.You can also use this space to explain what help you need but don't get.Aids that help you stand and moveRest breaks and symptoms like pain or dizziness Good days and bad daysTime it takes Safety: accidents and risk of injury Someone helps or assists you Make it clear if you need help but don't get it. if you get help, say who helps you (for example, a relative or friend) and explain:

why they help

how they help

how often they help

Make it clear if you need them to:

help you all of the time or just sometimes

physically assist you

be on hand - for example, just in case you need help

prevent an injury or accident

Always explain what happens (or would happen) if you don't get help. For example:

you're more likely to have an accident

you're more likely to suffer physical or mental symptoms like pain or dizziness

you're less likely to go outside or socialise because you're afraid of falling or slipping

Q15: additional informationQuestion 15 is a blank page. You can use it if you run out of space on the claim form. You can also use it to give any additional information you think necessary. There's no right or wrong type of information to include but it's a good idea to use this space to tell the DWP if:

someone had to fill in the form for you and explain why

you filled in the form slowly or with pain  

filling in the form caused you anxiety or stress    

you're attaching  Medical evidence in support of your claim. - for example, a care plan

any friends or family are your carers - you can include their contact details if you want but ask them first

Comments from other people If your carer, medical professionals, friends or family have any information you think will help your PIP application they can add it here. Make sure their comments relate to how your condition makes it difficult for you to do the activities detailed in questions 3 to 15. This is because the DWP base their decision on whether or not you get PIP on these activities. Good Luck. 

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PIP 50% RULE

“This is a reminder from BuDS’ Benefit Information Team about an aspect of PIP rules which some people may not know, or have forgotten. It particularly mentions a little-known concession or agreement by DWP which could make it easier for more people to claim PIP.

Under PIP, if a condition or disability affects you more than half the time, it has to be treated as affecting you all the time. Equally, if a condition or disability does not affect you half the time, then it can be disregarded or ignored for PIP purposes. This is known as the 50% rule.

The next question is, did your condition or disability affect you so that you met a PIP descriptor test more than half the time over that full year? In working this out, you should look at the condition over the most appropriate period. Imagine you have a condition that means you meet a PIP descriptor test some days, but not on others. What you would do then is count the number of days where the descriptor test was passed, and see if they add up to more than 183 = half a year. If you had a condition which means you meet a PIP descriptor test some weeks, but not on others, then you would count the weeks in the same way.

What happens, however, when you have a condition which affects you differently hour by hour over the day, maybe a bit differently every day? Counting the hours over the whole year and seeing if they add up to 4381 (hours in six months) isn’t practical.

This issue came up before the Upper Tribunal in 2015 in case CPIP/0626./2015. This case is not widely available online. However, during the UT hearing, the Secretary of State for DWP ‘conceded’, or agreed, that where a condition affects someone for ANY part of a day, then it should be treated as applying for the WHOLE of that day. The only time that a condition would not be regarded as affecting someone for the whole day is if it affected them for only a ‘trivial’ part of the day. Trivial means insignificant or small – so a condition, say, which only affected you for 10 minutes in the day might be seen as trivial for the purposes of this counting rule.

The important principle is that conditions which affect you for only part of a day are legally regarded as affecting you for the whole day when it comes to the 50% rule. Imagine you have fibromyalgia and have flares of pain for two or three hours per day which prevent you, while you have the flare, from cooking or bathing. That’s more than a trivial part of the day, so for PIP you are regarded as unable to cook or bathe for the whole day. If this happens 4 days out of the week (or 16/17 days of the months), then that’s more than 50% of the time, so you meet those PIP descriptor tests and should get points.

This is the law. As we all know, the DWP like to follow their own rules. You may find it hard to persuade assessors and decision makers to accept your argument. But a Tribunal will know the law, and apply it fairly. It underlines the fact that if you want PIP, you have to be prepared and determined enough to appeal, if you want fair and legal treatment.”

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Tips on trick questions you will be asked at the ATOS medical or Tribunal

(taken from fightback facebook page) 

March 20, 2013 at 7:11 PM

Forewarned is forearmed.. some tips on questions you will be asked at the ATOS medical or Tribunal the reason behind each question is to establish what you can do, basically the examiner or doctor in the tribunal will make assumptions based on your answers, these are often wrong assumptions, but knowing what you are being asked before hand may help you pass the medical first time, and as the appeal rate is going to be delayed for new claimants shortly its best to get it right first time. What I am saying is that you answer truthfully but you ensure you give the WHOLE picture,this example is from a conversation with a client just this week and is the truth, Medical Examiner: "Q your hair looks nice, do you visit the hairdressers regularly? Ans, yes but I have to go home with it wet or with dye still on most times and cannot sit in the chair long enough. Q You said in your questionnaire you like to go to the woods is this correct? A Yes the woods are 50 yards from my house, I struggle to get their but force myself every week to get there, otherwise I would be so depressed staying in the house because of my condition, I sit just at the entrance and rest listening to the birds for a short while then return, the rest of the day I will be shattered because I have over exerted myself but it is worth it to keep me sane. These are the answers that don't get given as often people are scared, or nervous. we are merely alerting people to the fact that these questions will be asked almost every time in a tribunal or a medical and to think about what they truthfully would answer outside the box, rather just a straight one line answer that will make the judge or examiner come to the assumption that is most often incorrect So here are a list of questions they will most likely ask you and why.

Are you going away or have you been away this year, A yes, they will assume you can get about, mobilise, etc, if you have then you Need to tell them exactly what you did, ie if you haven't had a holiday in years and your family went to help out, if you struggled with mobility whilst there, etc etc

Do you have a dog? they will ASSUME that because you have a dog, you can take it for exercise, ie walk, they will assume you can open cans of food, and bend down to feed him, and they will assume that you can get up quite quickly in order to take him out when he wants to go..

Do you have a washing machine? Yes: they ASSUME that having a washing machine means you can follow complicated instructions, and know the chronological order that the washing cycle takes. They will also maybe assume you can remember this.

Do you have a car?  They assume if you drive, even if you do not drive often, that you can follow directions/maps complicated instructions and sit for long periods of time, whilst multitasking and going to unfamiliar places. They will also assume that you are safe to go out alone. And get yourself in and out of the car ok, so bang goes the care needs in some cases.

Do you visit the hairdressers?  Yes, they will assume you get a] get there ok, b] sit still long enough to have a perm, colour etc c] socialise with strangers whom you have never met ie customers, d] leave after sitting for so long, and not have any problems with your return journey.  

Do you have a mobile phone? They assume the mobile phone user does not have trouble speaking to unfamiliar people or strangers or have trouble communicating. They will assume you can follow complex instructions, and operate it easily, if you cannot do so and it was bought as a gift for relatives to keep a check on you then say so! Do you watch TV?  If yes, they may ask do you like Eastenders etc, Eastenders watchers are ASSUMED to follow complex storylines, without forgetting the order they follow (ie if you have indicated you cant cook as you forget the order of things, this contradicts this according to ATOS.)

Do you have any  pets? If you have other pets ie a lizard or rabbit, cat etc, they need cleaning and looking after so they will ASSUME you can lift, bend, carry, open cans to feed etc and do this depending on the pet on a regular basis despite how you feel. Did you travel by bus? The public transport question shows you are not afraid of going to places where there are crowds, or unfamiliar places, even if you had no choice, it also shows you can relatively high step onto a bus, (if you indicated probs with steps be careful with this question)

Did you come by Taxi, watch for the questions on how you got to the medical, if the taxi driver was unfamiliar, then it contradicts your question on being socially phobic, and shows you can give instructions and communication with strangers. It contradicts anxiety in public as it shows you can get into a strangers car ok.  If you had no choice or if you use a regular taxi firm and driver say so to counteract this assumption. Its idiotic I know but these questions will also be used in a tribunal as well.

Did you come here alone?  This is a crucial question, it shows them that you can get to somewhere unfamiliar alone. Despite the fact you may have had no choice.  If you came with someone and left them in the waiting room, this shows that you were ok for some of it alone, and have not got the anxiety problems or trouble being left alone.. ITs catch 22 for many but these questions are designed to trick you and by asking them it gives the questioning body a whole range of answers that can be completely misconceived.  They also watch you in the waiting room in many cases so if you are sat comfortably for 30 mins there and show no signs of anxiety outwardly then they are likely to verify this with one of the questions above.  

Does the mental condition preventing you from doing leisure activities you previously enjoyed?

The ‘Doctor’ is trying to trip you up again. If you say you are suffering from depression and yet still follow your local football team then this proves you are not depressed. If you say you sometimes get to the allotment to see to your pigeons, then you are fit enough to travel to work. These questions are geared to prove everything you have entered on your IB50 form is false and can be medically debunked by your own answer.

Has agitation, confusion or forgetfulness resulted in any dangerous incidents in the last few months?

From your answer the Doctor will deduce that you have not had any ‘serious’ accidents lately including slips, trips or falls?

You can use a computer?  deal with you finances, correspondence, can read and write, do your own shopping? They are again assuming you have an excellent memory, your coordination and orientation are normal and you were not confused, agitated or forgetful during the ‘examination’?

Does you frequently feel scared or panicky for no obvious reason?

Unless you actually have a panic attack during your ‘examination’ the examiber is at liberty to assume you do not have panic attacks.The usual comment is; Does not experience panic attacks,  Appeared relaxed, Not anxious on examination is entered on the medical usually in most cases..

Are you able to cope with changes in daily routine?

This is answered from the questions above.  Had an appropriate level of concern because of coming here today, normal concentration on examination, not anxious on examination, does not suffer panic attacks and oddly, has a mobile phone, which you use for texting, chatting, making arrangements and for emergencies.

Interaction with other people Can you look after yourself without help from others?

Beware?You have already been asked this question above from this question your examiner will deduce that you have a mobile phone and use it for texting, chatting, making arrangements and emergencies, can deal with your own finances and correspondence without difficulty, can use a computer and have normal intellectual functioning?

Facts about your ATOS medical,and HOW they assess you before you get into the room. READ THIS if you are going for a medical anytime soon. RECEPTIONIST: When you first get to reception you will be asked for your letter, and details and if you want to claim expenses, this is all part of the game and is an assessment of your ability to follow instructions, read, write and to see how long they can keep you standing there. Plus if you claim parking expenses they assume you were able to walk to their office from whichever car park your ticket comes from. Staff will report your performance to the Doctor. WALKING TO ROOM: When you are taken from the waiting room the assessor will generally walk behind you, so she can assess your walk and how you manage the usual cleverly placed heavy door to the examination room. (They wont hold the door for you deliberately) In fact get whoever is with you to open all doors as you are being assessed on all or most of them. Atos healthcare will observe what you are carrying so ensure any bag is given to a friend. DISTANCE: The rooms are also placed around 10 mtrs from the seating area, so she examines your gait as you walk and times you. WAITING ROOM: Depending on the centre some of the seats purposely have arms to see if you can use them when getting up.The seats provided in the waiting area in some centres are low and uncomfortable to sit on, they have no arms and you are forced to twist to your left or right to get any support by using the back of the chair as you sit or when rising from them. Don't forget if you can't sit for long you don't have to stay glued to the chair as many do in agony, move around big brother is watching you ;-] CAMERAS: You may notice strange black boxes around the room, these are the "security" cameras. Different assessments centres may have different kinds, but you can watch for these black boxes at the entrance to the building and usually any car park provided. ENTRY PHONES: In some centres you have to pick up a phone to security, these are strategically placed low to assess your bending, not to mention your grip. STEPS TO BUILDING: In birmingham and other centres there are 2 steps outside with cameras watching how you negotiate them. Remember this is one of the descriptors. Magazines: Watch for these as many waiting rooms will place interesting looking mags on high racks to encourage you to reach up... These tips are not designed to assist people who are not genuinely disabled, they are there to inform people that there are certain things that ATOS staff will stoop to that make wrong assumptions based on a one off action, under pressure. The fact that someone can step up one step or two does not mean that he can do it repeatedly and safely which is the test for this descriptor..

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questions you may be asked

(copied and pasted from elsewhere -  have lost original link so can’t give credit)

Here are some of the questions you may be asked during your medical interrogation  ’examination’.

Mental Health

Completion of tasks

Can he or she answer the telephone and reliably take a message?

When referring to ‘telephone’ the ‘Doctor’ will deduce you have and can operate a mobile phone, which you use for texting, chatting, making arrangements and for emergencies. the term ‘Mobile phone’ will not actually be used. That you can and do answer the phone when it rings, your motor and memory functions are normal and that you are not depressed among many other possible ‘stock answers’ he is allowed to use in his / her report. Apparently, answering yes or no to any of the questions you are asked gives the alleged ‘Doctor’ the freedom to be creative in their answer.

How do they know you have one?

Does he or she sit for hours doing nothing?

From this question the alleged ‘Doctor’ will assume you can sit comfortably for longer than the period you have stated on your IB50, incidentally, if you stand up at regular intervals during your examination due to the discomfort you are feeling, he reports this as being able to stand for (and he times you here) for however long without discomfort. You can not win. He /she will also link this with travelling to the examination, either driving, being driven, bus etc despite the fact that you will have stopped several times during your journey due to the discomfort you were feeling during the trip. All from answering yes or no to this question?

Can he or she concentrate to read a magazine article or follow a radio or television programme?

They are still looking to trip you up here if you have said you cant sit for long periods, despite the fact that you lie in bed to read, watch TV or listen to the radio! They also deduce that you can read, which means to them you can manage your own finances, bills etc, letters, and mail in general, that your eye sight and concentration levels are excellent and in one email I received last night, that you can operate a computer without difficulty? Where on earth does it mention finances, computers or concentration in the question?

Can he or she use a telephone book or other directory to find a number?

Please note, a telephone directory can be heavier than a carton of milk, its another method of covert assessment, curiously as well as proving you can read it also includes the use of computers, management of finances, and the mobile phone again? Be careful and specific when you answer these questions yes or no can be dangerous. Personally I don’t read at all now, and have not done so for years, and when I need a number from the phone book I ask my partner to look it up as I find I usually end up straining to see the small print in the directory.

Heavier than a pint of milk?

Does the mental condition prevent him or her from undertaking leisure activities previously enjoyed?

This one is a beauty, the alleged ‘Doctor’ is trying to trip you up again. If you say you are suffering from depression and yet still follow your local football team then this proves you are not depressed. If you say you sometimes get to the allotment to see to your pigeons, then you are fit enough to travel to work. These questions are geared to prove everything you have entered on your IB50 form is false and can be medically debunked by your own answer. I don’t know about you, but my disability  prevents me from pursuing any of my previous hobbies, full stop.

Does he or she overlook or forget the risks posed by domestic appliances or other common hazards due to poor concentration?

This question disproves the following question (before you even answer it!) relating to serious accidents or to whether or not you can cook for yourself, from your answer the alleged ‘Doctor’ will deduce that you have not had any ‘serious’ accidents lately (I wonder if this includes slips, trips or falls?) you can use a computer? you can drive without difficulty? have excellent concentration skills? can use a mobile phone, deal with you finances, correspondence, can read and write, do your own shopping?

Has agitation, confusion or forgetfulness resulted in any potentially dangerous accidents in the last 3 months?

From your answer the alleged ‘Doctor’ will deduce that you have not had any ‘serious’ accidents lately including slips, trips or falls? you can use a computer? you can drive without difficulty? have excellent concentration skills? can use a mobile phone, computer, deal with you finances, correspondence, can read and write, do your own shopping? you have an excellent memory, your coordination and orientation are normal and you were not confused, agitated or forgetful during the ‘examination’?

Can his or her concentration only be sustained by prompting?

Again, this question is linked to the previous questions and is asked this far in to prove your concentration is good enough to continue answering questions under pressure? So anything you have said relating to poor concentration in your IB50 is immediately called into question?From this and previous answers the alleged ‘Doctor’ will deduce that you can (yes you guessed it) use a computer? you can drive without difficulty? have excellent concentration skills? can use a mobile phone, deal with you finances, correspondence, can read and write, do your own shopping? you have an excellent memory, your coordination and orientation are normal and you were not confused, agitated or forgetful during the ‘examination’?

Daily living

Does he or she need encouragement to get up and dress?

Your Healthcare professional will comment that you have no difficulty getting in and out of bed and can dress yourself without difficulty. This means anything you have said relating to pain when moving is immediately called into question. This also means you are not depressed, can cope easily with everyday functions and can climb stairs curiously enough?

Does he or she need alcohol before midday?

This is to prove you have or do not have a drink /alcohol problem. Notice the use of the word NEED in the question. Everyone (including alcoholics) will rarely admit to NEEDING alcohol at all? Therefore, if you are in the unfortunate position of being an alcoholic, your own pride prevents you from answering honestly. Sad isn’t it?

Do you really NEED this?

Is he or she frequently distressed at some time of the day due to fluctuation of mood?

This question relates to mood swings, sudden changes in temperament. Your alleged ‘Doctor’ will say you did not suffer a mood swing during your examination which means you are not depressed, stressed, or suffer mood swings. Are we to assume then, as long as he /she does not witness you having a mood swing they can say you do not have them?

Does he or she care about his or her appearance and living conditions?

If you are relatively well dressed and appear to be clean during the examination the alleged ‘Doctor’ will deduce that you are capable of dressing appropriately, caring for your self, have good living conditions, are not depressed, stressed and have good coordination. This is despite the fact you may have had help in washing, dressing and that your family or friends help you look after yourself and your home?

Do sleep problems interfere with his or her daytime activities?

Be careful when answering this question! as from your answer the alleged ‘Doctor’ will decide if you have sleep problems which affect your concentration, which in turn may debunk any answers given to previous questions relating to concentration. I refer you to questions 3, 6,7 and 8 previously asked in the Mental Health section.

Coping with pressure

Was mental stress a factor in making him or her stop work?

This question is used to debunk any information you put on your IB50 relating to stress as being the main reason or contributory reason you stopped working. The ‘Healthcare professional’ should say so here, if the main reason was anything else, this should also appear here. I.E. The main reason for leaving work was mental stress, physical health, depression etc.

Does he or she frequently feel scared or panicky for no obvious reason?

Unless you actually have a panic attack during your ‘examination’ the alleged ‘Doctor’ is at liberty to assume you do not have panic attacks and therefore anything you have entered onto your IB50 is utter lies. The usual comment is; Does not experience panic attacks,  Appeared relaxed, Not anxious on examination

Panic attack

Does he or she avoid carrying out routine activities because he or she is convinced they will prove too tiring or stressful?

This question has already been asked in the mental health section and I refer you to question 5. The alleged ‘Doctor’ will deduce the following from your answer. You have and can operate a mobile phone, which you use for texting, chatting, making arrangements and for emergencies. Can drive a car without significant difficulty, can deal with your own finances and correspondence effectively and are able to make long journeys without significant difficulty?

Is he or she able to cope with changes in daily routine?

This answer to this question has already been gleaned from the previous questions asked. Take a look at the questions in the two previous sections and tell me I am wrong, The alleged ‘Doctor’ arrived at the following opinion from my answers. Had an appropriate level of concern because of coming here today, normal concentration on examination, not anxious on examination, does not suffer panic attacks and oddly, has a mobile phone, which you use for texting, chatting, making arrangements and for emergencies.

Does he or she frequently find that there are so many things to do that he or she gives up because of fatigue, apathy or disinterest?

Its interesting to note that the answer to this question appeared to have already been gleaned from section 1 questions 1,3,4,5,6 and 7. Section 2 questions1,3 and 4. Section 3 Questions 1,2,3 and 4. You can see this clearly from the alleged ‘Doctors’ answers this question.Dont forget the question about your past hobbies in particular?

Is he or she scared or anxious that work would bring back or worsen their illness?

As with every one of the previous questions, when I was asked this question it was worded differently, the alleged ‘Doctor’ asked;  “What would you do if “they” offered you a job now?”. I gave a positive answer by saying I was eager to return to work once I recovered from my ailment. The alleged ‘Doctor’ inserted the following stock answer. Feels very negative about being able to cope with work?  What planet are these people on? What on earth will the decision maker conclude from that? Worse still, how can I defend this if I need to? The mind boggles.

Interaction with other people

Can he or she look after himself or herself without help from others?

Beware?You have already been asked this question in sections one and two, from this question your alleged ‘Doctor’ will deduce that you have a mobile phone and use it for texting, chatting, making arrangements and emergencies, can deal with your own finances and correspondence without difficulty, can use a computer and have normal intellectual functioning?

Does he or she get so upset by ordinary events that it results in disruptive behavioural problems?

Caution! this has already been assessed in question 3, Daily living section.

Easily upset?

Do mental problems impair his or her ability to communicate with other people?

Already assessed in question 1 section 1.Curiously, the alleged ‘Doctor’ deduced the following; Yes you guessed it, has a mobile phone and use it for texting, chatting, making arrangements and emergencies, Behaved normally, normal rapport?

Does he or she get irritated by things that would not have bothered him or her before becoming ill?

Beware! this has already been assessed at section 1 question 5, section 2 question 3 and section 3 question 3. The alleged ‘Doctor’ will comment on your present state of agitation, i.e Had a clam nature, He or she appeared agitated.

Does he or she prefer to sit alone six or more hours a day?

It didn’t seem to matter when I told the alleged ‘Doctor’ that I regularly spend long periods of time alone as my partner works alternating shifts, the stock answers entered were. Sees family every day, Behaved normally, not depressed on examination?

Is he or she too frightened to go out alone?

I was asked How I got to the examination centre? was I accompanied? did I drive there myself?  The answers I gave to these questions (which were entirely supplementary, and not part of the official list of questions I have reproduced here) did not appear on my medical report, neither did I understand their significance until I saw the medical report. The stock answers included; Goes out alone, Does not experience panic attacks, Not anxious on examination, can drive a car without significant difficulty, Appeared relaxed, Able to make Long journeys without significant difficulty.

As you can see, it would be easy for anyone (let alone allegedly qualified and registered medical practitioners) to carry out one of these so called medical examinations. Which in the words of the DWP “Is different from a normal medical examination- it is not to diagnose or discuss treatment of your medical condition”. It is there to prove you do not have a medical condition It would also be just as easy for someone to abuse the system and either deliberately try to produce a report which would be sufficiently damming enough for the decision maker to stop payment of your benefits. Or equally to accept a bribe in return for a report which guarantees the decision maker would continue or increase your benefits. Please note; I am not suggesting for one minute that this has ever happened, simply, that it is possible.

I hope this helps to bring these people to book over the way we are being treated just because we made a legitimate claim to benefits we have paid for in advance. Like you, dear readers I want to see the thieving scum who cheat the benefits system prosecuted, but why should we all be treated as potential benefit fraudsters, forced into taking a ‘medical’ which is solely designed to make us look like we are not telling the truth?