The proportion of personal independence payment (PIP) assessments that are face-to-face is set to rise from the Autumn of this year, DWP disability minister Stephen Timms has revealed.
Timms was answering a question from Helen Whatley, conservative shadow secretary of state for work and pensions on whether steps were being taken to increase face-to-face assessments.
Timms stated that, as part of the Functional Assessment Services (FAS) process, “ . . . a paper-based assessment will always be considered in the first instance, for all cases. Where a paper-based review is not possible the claimant will be invited to an assessment.”
Where claimants need a specific type of assessment, such as a telephone assessment because of difficulties with travelling, then they will be allocated that.
Other claimants will get the next available appointment, regardless of whether that is face-to-face, telephone or video. But claimants can request a change of assessment type if this would constitute a reasonable adjustment.
Timms went on to say that “The FAS suppliers are also increasing their capacity to deliver more face-to-face assessments, and the department expects the reported percentage of face-to-face assessments to increase towards Autumn 2025.”
There’s more details about your right to request a change of assessment review at pages 104-106 of our members’ guide to PIP Claims and Reviews.
