Page 7 - Community Living Magazine 34-2

welfare rights
Medical assessments at a distance

Assessments for disability benefits are now based on paper ● List all aids and appliances you use,
records or carried out on the phone rather than being done such as modified cutlery, grab rails, a
shower seat, incontinence pads, a
face to face. Charlie Callanan sets out what you need to know walking stick or wheelchair, a long cane
and low vision aids.
● List all the medication you take or any
edical assessments are required other treatments you have
in certain benefit claims, ● Arrange for a companion to be with you
Mincluding for personal if you want this (see below).
independence payments (PIPs). They are During:
also used for the work capability ● Make sure you are seated somewhere
assessment (WCA), which assesses claims quiet and comfortable
for employment and support allowance, ● Have to hand the application form and
and in universal credit where the claimant any notes you have made
may have “limited capability for work”. ● Note the name of the assessor, the time
During the coronavirus crisis, they called and the call duration
assessments are being carried out only via ● You can have a companion with you,
telephone, with none being done face to such as a friend, relative, carer or
face. Video assessments are being trialled. support worker. They can take part in
Assessments can also be completed by discussions and take notes for you.
medical assessors using paperwork alone, Remember to introduce the companion
such as a claimant’s PIP2 application form to the assessor. The DWP’s PIP
or limited capability for work Assessment Guide for Assessment
questionnaire, and any medical or other Some people will find telephone assessments Providers states a claimant has a right to
relevant evidence available. less daunting but still need to prepare for them have a companion with them during a
It is therefore recommended when PIP assessment. The online WCA
starting the written assessment process be able to look to going back to work in assessment provider guidance also
for PIP or a WCA that clients give the the future). acknowledges this right.
Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) If the DWP cannot grant a client LCWRA ● Do not feel rushed to answer questions;
as much information as possible about status, they will get a letter telling them it take time to consider both the question
their disability and its impact, as well as has not been possible “to complete their and your reply
any written evidence. assessment” at this time. The client will ● Do not exaggerate your condition but
This may help to avoid the need for a then have to wait for a face-to-face do not downplay it or minimise its
telephone assessment because the assessment until such time when these impact on your life
medical assessor can make a are reintroduced. ● Do not give “yes” or “no” answers:
recommendation to the DWP based on If this is the claimant’s first assessment, describe how doing something makes
that information and evidence alone. they will continue to receive the basic you feel both during and after
assessment rate or, if they are undergoing completing it, what assistance you
Limits to work capability assessment a review, their award remains unchanged. need, how long it takes and what aids
There is an important current feature to This does mean clients losing out in the you use
note about WCAs. After a claimant has short term if they are likely to see their ● Talk about how your condition affects
had a telephone or paper-based WCA, the benefit increased following a face-to-face you and the kind of things you have
only recommendation that the assessment assessment, although any increase will difficulty with or cannot do at all
provider can make is that the claimant is eventually be backdated. without guidance or assistance.
not fit for work and has “limited capability This could include difficulties the
for work-related activity” (LCWRA). Some tips for telephone assessments assessor should but might not raise
The assessor will not make a Many people will welcome and prefer a with you; note that they may assume
recommendation to DWP that the telephone medical assessment and find there are certain things you have no
claimant is fit enough to work or that they this less daunting than attending an difficulty doing such as mixing with
have “limited capability for work” (ie they assessment centre. other people.
are not currently fit for work but should However, claimants still need to The pandemic means there will be no
prepare. Below are some tips for clients face-to-face assessments until it is safe
on matters to consider before and during and operationally feasible for providers to
For a written assessment, a telephone medical assessment. reintroduce them.
Therefore, we can assume people will
Before:
clients should provide as much Read and review the relevant claim or have to take part in telephone
information as possible about ● assessment form (eg PIP2 form or assessments to determine their disability
benefit claims for the foreseeable future
ESA50/UC50 questionnaire) to remind
Seán Kelly their disability and its impact you of points that you may wish to talk and, accordingly, will need support, advice
about in the assessment
and guidance. n
www.cl-initiatives.co.uk Community Living Vol 34 No 2 | Winter 2021 7