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Written question asked by Angela Crawley (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 13 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 May 2024 (named day). It was answered by Mims Davies (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 May 2024 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Personal Independence Payment: Medical Examinations

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that PIP assessments accurately assess claimants with mental health issues.

Answer

The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment identifies the needs arising from physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive issues, or any combination of these. The assessment criteria were developed over a decade ago in conjunction with independent health, social care, and disability experts.

All health professionals performing PIP assessments receive comprehensive training in disability analysis including specific training on mental health conditions and how to identify their impact on claimants’ ability to carry out the activities in the assessment.  Our assessment providers have Mental Health Function Champions (MHFC) to support assessors when reviewing evidence and provide advice to DWP Case Managers. MHFCs are specialist practitioners who have at least 2 years of post-registration clinical experience in a mental health or learning disability role.

No assessment has been made of the potential mental health impact of PIP assessments, although customer experience is something that is continually monitored. It would be extremely difficult to objectively separate the specific impact of assessments on mental health from other contributory factors.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
25870
Session
2023-24
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Medical examinations Mental illness Personal independence payment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk