Everything a PIP assessor informed me earlier than my evaluation together with the way it works from the within
The DWP plans to change PIP and Universal Credit have left many desperate for advice – one woman has taken to X to pass on advice from a PIP assessor about how to deal with your next review
As the government plans to slash £5 billion from the welfare bill by 2029/30, a chunk of that will come from changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Universal Credit.
The new reforms have sparked many to seek advice and clarification on what the changes mean for them.
Katriona has taken to social media platform X to share her insights and help others navigate the complexities of the system. She spoke with a PIP assessor who passed on advice for any upcoming PIP reviews.
A long Covid sufferer, Katriona has used her personal experience to shed light on the challenges faced by those with disabilities.
On her GoFundMe page, Katriona shared the harsh realities of her condition:: “Severe pain, light sensitivity, cognitive impairment, and extreme fatigue left me almost entirely bed-bound for nearly a year. I had to move back in with my mum, unable to care for myself.”
On X, she posted (@FatiguedStill): “Last night I spoke with my friend’s husband who’s a PIP assessor, for advice about my upcoming PIP review, and was given some useful insights about how the process works from the inside, including specifics about ME and long Covid”
She claims that people with ME and long Covid will only receive points for cooking, washing and dressing and it is unlikely they will receive points for other activities.
PIP assessments work on points that are tallied up to assess the individuals needs and that informs the amount of money they can claim.
She continued: “Few applicants will be awarded points for eating and drinking. It’s viewed that if you can grip cutlery, no matter how much pain you’re in or how long it takes you to eat, then you are independent. Only applicants with eating disorders or a paralytic hand will be awarded points.”
Additionally, she wrote that anyone who drives will be capped at four points for cooking as this indicates ability to use cooking utensils.
Katriona also advised: “With dressing, it is unhelpful to say you need to sit down while dressing because even able-bodied people do this. Talk about how long it takes you and how many breaks you need to demonstrate that you cannot dress reliably.”
She added: “PIP assessors ask about hobbies because able-bodied people have the spoons to have lots of hobbies, whereas many disabled people don’t, such as people with ME spending lots of time in bed. Hobbies indicate independence. Any question about hobbies is there to catch you out.”
She said that the wording you use is important, writing: “ If you have a relative or friend caring for you, such as cooking you meals, emphasise that they are doing it because they have to and that you would be unable to cook for yourself if required.”
She finalised with: “be honest and do not overestimate your ability. If you are struggling, describe your struggles in great detail.”
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