The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently clarified guidance around ‘informal observations’ carried out by health professionals during assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The observations are limited to between the point at which the assessment actually begins to when it ends - the health professional cannot document observations made outside of this period.
Minister for Disabled People Tom Pursglove MP also explained that while the PIP assessment “does allow for informal observations of functional limitations, this is only part of the suite of evidence considered by health professionals”. He added that informal observations are not viewed in isolation, but are “considered alongside all other available evidence to determine entitlement”.
In a recent written response to Labour MP Dr Rupa Huq, the DWP Minister said: “The observations are limited to between the point the assessment starts to when the assessment ends; the health professional (HP) cannot document observations made outside of this period. This is useful in assessing functional capability and there are no current plans to stop this.”
