Hi orfoster
Yes, all DLA claims have assessments—but the assessments may be paper-based, telephone, video or face-to-face. So it is possible that you may just get a decision from them, e.g., a paper-based assessment has been carried out. Or they could contact you for additional information and then complete a paper-based assessment, or they could request one of the other types of assessments. I haven't seen any figures anywhere on which assessment type is used.
If it's a phone assessment - yes, you will speak on behalf of your daughter, but depending on her disability, it is possible that an assessor may want to speak to your daughter on a limited basis.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems 
