What is a PIP Consultation?

Most people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be asked to attend a consultation in one of our consultation centres. Our aim is to make your consultation as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

The PIP consultation will be conducted by one of our Health Professionals, who is trained in disability assessments for PIP, and will be able to assess the impact of your health condition or disability on daily life. You will be treated with dignity and respect throughout the consultation.

Typically consultations last around 60 minutes, although there is no set duration as we recognise that people have different needs. Each person will be treated as an individual.

The Health Professional will have reviewed your ‘How your disability affects you’ form before your consultation, along with any supporting evidence you have provided before your appointment. During the consultation you will explain your needs in your own words. You will be encouraged to discuss a range of topics that relate to your daily life and the Health Professional will write a report of your discussion during the consultation, which you are entitled to view or have described to you.

The PIP consultation – unlike those that you may be used to with your GP or consultant for example – is not designed to diagnose or to treat the problems you have with your health. It will instead focus on how your life is affected by the challenges you face. If a physical examination is required, you will be asked for your consent. It will only involve you performing simple movements, relevant to your condition and within your abilities. You will not be asked to do anything that will cause you discomfort.

At the end of your consultation the Health Professional will complete the report and send it to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who will use it and any other relevant information to make a decision on your PIP claim.