Mock Assessment Scenario Part One: (please remember we are not experts but

are using our own experiences and knowledge on these issues)

Arriving at The Assessment Centre for a PIP or an ESA Assessment.

We are going to do 3 scenario’s of this. Remember, your assessment starts from

the moment you arrive and not when you are taken in by the assessor.

1/ Claimant arrives at the Assessment Centre by car, gets out the drivers side,
picks up handbag and a bag of medication and walks towards the Assessment
Centre. Presses the intercom to get access, opens the heavy door and walks into
the reception. Gives name and hands over letters to receptionist.

Assessor has been watching all this on CCTV and takes from this that the
Claimant can
1. Operate a vehicle
2. Can open doors
3. Can carry items
4. Can walk unaided
5. Can communicate with other people.

In this scenario, your claim is almost blown out the window before you even
start. You have shown manual dexterity by operating a vehicle and awareness to
your surroundings. You can open doors without any difficulty and can carry
items. If you are going for the mobility part, you have just walked unaided to the
door and you have communicated with a stranger.

2/ Claimant arrives by bus and walks the rest of the way to the Assessment
Centre, carrying a bag of medication (+ handbag). Presses the intercom to get
access, opens the heavy door and walks into the reception. Gives name and
hands over letters to receptionist.

Assessor watches Claimant arriving on CCTV and takes from this scenario that
the claimant can.
1. Travel unaided
2. Can open doors
3. Can carry items
4. Can walk unaided
5. Can communicate with other people

Again as in scenario 1, your claim is over before you start. You have just used
public transport and communicated without difficulty. You have boarded and
unboarded a bus and walked to the assessment centre (say goodbye to the
mobility part). And as in scenario one you have carried bags, opened doors and
spoken to a stranger without any difficulty.

3/ Claimant arrives at the Assesment Centre by taxi or car (companion driving)

with a friend/partner. Companion opens the door for the Claimant and helps
him/her out of the taxi. Companion carries bag of medication for the Claimant.
Companion presses the intercom and the Claimant speaks. Companion opens the
heavy door and assists the Claimant to reception.

Assessor watching on CCTV takes from this :

1. Claimant has needed assistance from somebody else

2. Claimant has needed assistance when outdoors
3. Claimant has needed assistance in carrying objects
4. Claimant can communicate but was unable to operate intercom button
5. Claimant needed assistance in opening the heavy door.

Kerching!!! Congratulations, you just passed the first phase of the Assessment
MOCK ASSESSMENT PART 2: THE RECEPTION AREA (ALSO APPLIES TO ESA
ASSESSMENT)

Claimant is sitting in the reception area waiting to be called for their assessment. Dont ever
think they are going to call you in straight away, this is because its all part of the act. They are
watching you. Do not pick up magazines or leaflets, if you can turn pages, then you have
manual dexterity. They will be observing if you can sit for more than 5 minutes without
having to move. They are watching to see if you look anxious or if you are fidgety. If you are
bending to pick something up etc. 10-15 minutes later the Assessor will arrive and call your
name. He/she will watch how you get up off that chair and whether or not you needed
assistance. They will watch how you walk to the room, if you have any difficulty or if you are
in any pain. Get your companion to carry any bags into the room and if they are not staying
with you make sure they leave the bag at hand height so you dont have to bend. Your
companion can stay with you on a PIP assessment and can help with questions if you are
stuck by gentle prompting (on an ESA assessment a companion can only observe)
MOCK ASSESSMENT PART 3: ENTERING THE ASSESSMENT ROOM

When you enter the assessment room if your companion is not staying with you, please
remember to get them to put any medication or bags and hand height so you dont have to
bend to retrieve anything.

The assessor at this point should introduce themselves, they will have a copy of your
application in front of them and will now start vigorously typing on their keyboard.

Your personal appearance will be noted at this point. If you are claiming that you have
difficulty in dressing then make sure you wear comfortable clothes i.e. do not wear things
with buttons, lace up shoes, etc. Wear elasticated waistbands if you have them or clothes than
are easily pulled on and wear slip on shoes or boots. (when we get to the descriptors we will
go into more detail on this). Ladies, do not wear make up and do not wear nail varnish, i
know this may sound extreme but they do look at all this. If you can paint your nails and have
your hair beautifully tonged and coiffeured then you will be laughed at if you are claiming
you have difficulty, washing yourself, etc....think ahead and be prepared!!!

The beginning of medical history starts here. You will be asked to confirm your conditions
and the medication you take for each condition. Familiarise yourself with your medication
side affects. For example: The assessor asks you about your co-codomol, he/she will ask how
many you take and you answer 6-8 pills a day. Dont leave it at the 6-8 pills per day, your
answer should be, i take 6-8 pills a day but they make me feel terribly drowsy and sleepy. Or
if a drug gives you heartburn, you tell them i take x amount of pills but they give me terrible
heartburn and i can feel nauseous and i have to take gaviscon to get relief. Remember the
more info you give them, the better it is for you. What may seem like a minor inconvience as
a side effect can all add up so make sure when you do the initial application form that you
have also written any or all side effects of medication you are on.
If they ask to see your boxes of pills, make sure they are at hand height for you to access, if
you cant get to your meds without bending then ask the assessor to get them out the bag for
you.
If you have splints for arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc make sure you take these with
you. If you suffer from incontinence then take a change of clothes with you in a bag and any
pads you use, these do not have to be on prescription, very few gp’s give prescriptions for
incontinence pads and many people have to buy their own, in which case you tell the assessor
that you have to wear pads but you have to buy them yourself, you aksed your gp but your gp
would not prescribe them.....tsk cutbacks eh??

Adapt the above to suit your medication and your disabilities but by rule of thumb the more
info you give the better.

Part 4 of the mock assessment will take us into the descriptors and this is where you score the
points to qualify for PIP. A copy of the point scoring descriptors and points awarded are in the
files at the top of the page but we will do a few scenario’s to cover each descriptor in part 4.
MOCK ASSESSMENT PART 4: The first 2 descriptors and
points

DESCRIPTORS FOR POINT SCORES FOR PIP

DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES
1. Preparing food.
a. Can prepare and cook a simple meal unaided. 0 points.
b. Needs to use an aid or appliance to be able to either prepare or cook
a simple meal. 2 points.
c. Cannot cook a simple meal using a conventional cooker but is able to
do so using a microwave. Points. 2 points
d. Needs prompting to be able to either prepare or cook a simple meal. 2
points.
e. Needs supervision or assistance to either prepare or cook a simple
meal. 4 points.
f. Cannot prepare and cook food. 8 points.

This part of the assessment the assessor will ask you if you can prepare
and cook food. Think about this carefully if you have illnessess such as
Rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, dupytrens contracture and
any illness that can prevent you from or cause you pain when doing any
of the above tasks. It may be painful for you to hold a knife or to put
pressure on a knife to enable you to cut, peel or chop vegetables or
meat, however, you may be able to cut a soft fruit, in which case you
would need assistance to prepare and cook (thats 4 points). You may
struggle to turn the knobs on a cooker or press a button on a microwave
or it may be painful for you to open the oven door. It may be dangerous
for you to lift pots or the kettle (in which case you cant make a cup of tea)
so make sure you tell them these things (if you score 8 points you have
already made it to the low rate care)

2. Taking nutrition.
a. Can take nutrition unaided. 0 points.
b. Needs –
(i) to use an aid or appliance to be able to take nutrition; or
(ii) supervision to be able to take nutrition; or
(iii) assistance to be able to cut up food. 2 points.

c. Needs a therapeutic source to be able to take nutrition. 2 points.

d. Needs prompting to be able to take nutrition. 4 points.
e. Needs assistance to be able to manage a therapeutic source to take
nutrition. 6 points.
f. Cannot convey food and drink to their mouth and needs another
person to do so. 10 points.

Again in this part, if you have any of the illnesses in part one and cant
chop or peel food then you are likely to have a problem cutting up food
and need assistance to do so (thats another 2 points). Remember if you
need assistance or prompting tell them (even if you dont need this
everyday but only need help on your worst days...tell them!!!).

Take a good look at each descriptor and the points available. If you think
a descriptor applies to you then note the points. If 2 descriptors in one
section apply to you, you will be given the highest point. e.g. in section 1
if b,c and e apply to you, you will score 4 points (e being the higher at 4)
you can only score once in each descriptor so b and c would be
neglected. As you go through each descriptor add the points, you need 8
to get low rate care and 12 to be on the highest rate
MOCK ASSESSMENT PART 5: more on the descriptors and points

3. Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition.

a. Either –
(i) does not receive medication or therapy or need to monitor a health
condition; or
(ii) can manage medication or therapy or monitor a health condition
unaided. 0 points.

b. Needs either –
(i) to use an aid or appliance to be able to manage medication; or
(ii) supervision, prompting or assistance to be able to manage
medication or monitor
a health condition. 1 point.
c. Needs supervision, prompting or assistance to be able to manage
therapy that takes no more than 3.5 hours a week. 2 points.
d. Needs supervision, prompting or assistance to be able to manage
therapy that takes more than 3.5 but no more than 7 hours a week. 4
points.
e. Needs supervision, prompting or assistance to be able to manage
therapy that takes more than 7 but no more than 14 hours a week. 6
points.
f. Needs supervision, prompting or assistance to be able to manage
therapy that takes more than 14 hours a week. 8 points.

If any of these descriptors apply to you then tell the assessor. If you are
an insulin dependant diabetic then you need to monitor your blood
glucose levels and you have to use a monitor to do so, you would
therefore score 1 point. Anything you need to use or if you need
reminded to take your medication comes under this section, use it to
your advantage and tell them in detail the help you need.

4. Washing and bathing.

a. Can wash and bathe unaided. 0 points.
b. Needs to use an aid or appliance to be able to wash or bathe. 2
points.
c. Needs supervision or prompting to be able to wash or bathe. 2 points.
d. Needs assistance to be able to wash either their hair or body below
the waist. 2 points.
e. Needs assistance to be able to get in or out of a bath or shower. 3
points.
f. Needs assistance to be able to wash their body between the shoulders
and waist. 4 points.
g. Cannot wash and bathe at all and needs another person to wash their
entire body. 8 points.

This section use if you have problems washing. E.g you have shoulder
problems and cant lift your arms without being in pain, then you need
help to wash your hair or your upper body (thats 2 to 4 points). If you
have rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc then you will
probably have trouble turning taps on (that would be a 2 point score).
Anyone with leg or hip problems you would need assistance to get in and
out of a bath or shower (3 points scored). Remember think of your
disabilities on your worst days and the problems you face then and then
use that information.
MOCK ASSESSMENT PART 6: More on the descriptors and points

5. Managing toilet needs or incontinence.

a. Can manage toilet needs or incontinence unaided. 0 points.
b. Needs to use an aid or appliance to be able to manage toilet needs or
incontinence. 2 points.
c. Needs supervision or prompting to be able to manage toilet needs. 2
points.
d. Needs assistance to be able to manage toilet needs. 4 points.
e. Needs assistance to be able to manage incontinence of either bladder
or bowel. 6 points.
f. Needs assistance to be able to manage incontinence of both bladder
and bowel. 8 points.

In this part if you suffer from any kind of incontinence (it happens its
nothing to be embarassed about so dont feel bad talking to an assessor
about it). If you need to wear pads its counted as an aid (2 points
scored). Remember the last question on bathing...if you had difficulty
turning taps on, then you need assistance if you are incontinent with your
toilet needs (4 points scored). If you need help cleaning yourself after an
“accident” explain this and earn yourself (6 points). Think about it people,
think!!!!

6. Dressing and undressing.

a. Can dress and undress unaided. 0 points.
b. Needs to use an aid or appliance to be able to dress or undress. 2
points.
c. Needs either -
(i) prompting to be able to dress, undress or determine appropriate
circumstances for remaining clothed; or
(ii) prompting or assistance to be able to select appropriate clothing. 2
points.

d. Needs assistance to be able to dress or undress their lower body. 2

points.
e. Needs assistance to be able to dress or undress their upper body. 4
points.
f. Cannot dress or undress at all. 8 points.

This section is about dressing. Remember we said wear comfortable,

pull on, elastic waisted clothing....this is the section we use that to our
advantage. If you have arthritis, shoulder problems, hand, wrist elbow
problems then you will have difficulty in dressing. E.g it is too difficult or
too painful to raise your arms to put on certain types of clothing. For
women the bra is an ideal example of this, you cant put your arms
behind your back and get assistance from your partner (the assessor
may suggest wearing front fastening bra’s but hey...you dont like them).
You have difficulty bending and need help to put on a pair of socks or
tights. Refer now to what you have worn to the assessment centre, it is
easier to pull on clothing, you cant fasten buttons or zips or lace up
shoes and that is why you are wearing your comfortable clothes and just
scored yourself 2-4 points.
MOCK ASSESSMENT PART 7:
more on the descriptors and point scoring

7. Communicating verbally.
a. Can express and understand verbal information unaided. 0 points.
b. Needs to use an aid or appliance to be able to speak or hear. 2 points.
c. Needs communication support to be able to express or understand
complex verbal information? 4 points.
d. Needs communication support to be able to express or understand
basic verbal information? 8 points.
e. Cannot express or understand verbal information at all even with
communication support. 12 points.

This part is on communicating. If you have to wear a hearing aid this

would score you 2 points. Your illnesses may cause you to need the
support of another in communicating, this should be evident at your
assessment in your communication with the assessor, so if you need
someone to help you with these things make sure you have taken them
along with you to the assessment. E.g. my youngest son had “selective
mutism” when he was younger as a result of another illness, he could not
speak to anyone outside of the family circle and needed help
communicating at school (nightmare) and in the company of strangers. If
he was takin an assessment then it would have scored him 8 points

8. Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words.

a. Can read and understand basic and complex written information either
unaided or using spectacles or contact lenses. 0 points.
b. Needs to use an aid or appliance, other than spectacles or contact
lenses, to be able to read or understand either basic or complex written
information. 2 points.
c. Needs prompting to be able to read or understand complex written
information. 2 points.
d. Needs prompting to be able to read or understand basic written
information. 4 points.
e. Cannot read or understand signs, symbols or words at all. 8 points.

This part is for any visual impairments. Visual impairments can be

caused as a result of other illnesses e.g diabetic retinopathy,
hypotension, stroke victims. If any of the descriptors apply to you, even if
it is not on a permanent basis and your condition fluctuates then DO tell
the assessor this and how you are affected.
MOCK ASSESSMENT PART 8: DESCRIPTORS AND POINTS

9. Engaging with other people face to face.

a. Can engage with other people unaided. 0 points.
b. Needs prompting to be able to engage with other people. 2 points.
c. Needs social support to be able to engage with other people. 4 points.
d. Cannot engage with other people due to such engagement causing
either –
(i) overwhelming
psychological distress to the claimant; or
(ii) the claimant to exhibit behaviour which would result in a substantial
risk of harm to the claimant or another person. 8 points.

On this part of the assessment unless you have assistance with you to
communicate on your behalf you would not be able to claim under this
part of the assessment. If you suffer from psychological, anxiety
disorders, etc.
make sure you have someone with you to back up your claim

10. Making budgeting decisions.

a. Can manage complex budgeting decisions unaided. 0 points.
b. Needs prompting or assistance to be able to make complex budgeting
decisions. 2 points.
c. Needs prompting or assistance to be able to make simple budgeting
decisions. 4 points.
d. Cannot make any budgeting decisions at all. 6 points.

This is the final descriptor under the “care” part of the assessment. I so
wish i could say cannot make any budgeting decisions at all due to not
being guaranteed a benefit under this current government but that would
not bode well with a grumpy assessor. If you suffer from any conditions
that can effect your mental capacity to do any of the tasks involving
budgeting decision then explain your needs to the assessor
MOCK ASSESSMENT PART 9:
Mobility descriptors and point scoring

MOBILITY ACTIVITIES
1. Planning and following journeys.
a. Can plan and follow the route of a journey unaided. 0 points.
b. Needs prompting to be able to undertake any journey to avoid
overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant. 4 points.
c. Cannot plan the route of a journey. 8 points.
d. Cannot follow the route of an unfamiliar journey without another
person, assistance dog or orientation aid. 10 points.
e. Cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming
psychological distress to the claimant. 10 points.
f. Cannot follow the route of a familiar journey without another person, an
assistance dog or an orientation aid. 12 points

This is the first part of the mobility side of PIP. If you suffer from anxiety,
psychological disorders or have sight problems then you might be able to
score some points in this section. Someone suffering from agoraphobia
for instance may score 10 points under this section or someone who
suffers from panic attacks may need someone with them to keep them
calm and focussed on a journey, that would score 4 points. Sight
problems should definately score points so if your problem is with sight,
research your illness and try to obtain 10-12 points with your evidence in
this section.

2. Moving around.
a. Can stand and then move more than 200 meters, either aided or
unaided. 0 points.
b. Can stand and then move more than 50 meters but no more than 200
meters, either aided or unaided. 4 points.
c. Can stand and then move unaided more than 20 metres but no more
than 50 metres. 8 points.
d. Can stand and then move using an aid or appliance more than 20
metres but no more than 50 metres. 10 points.
e. Can stand and then move more than 1 metre but no more than 20
metres, either aided or unaided. 12 points.
f. Cannot, either aided or unaided, –
(i) stand; or
(ii) move more than 1 metre. 12 points.
Use this section of the assessment if you have mobility problems such as
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, breathing problems, fibromyalgia, etc.
A person with rheumatoid or Osteo arthritis may have problems standing
or walking, you may be awaiting hip or knee replacement, you may have
breathing problems and get breathless when moving or attempting to
move around. You must state that walking or moving causes you pain
and distress. If you have a walking stick or any other aid you must tell
them that you use this for support but it does not ease the pain or the
stress of walking. For joint pains or breathing issues you are really
looking at pain and discomfort issues so make sure you tell them in
detail why you cant walk more than x amount of meters and what
happens to you when you do attempt to walk or move around. If you
have breathing problems and need to stop and take an inhaler or rest,
then get them told of this.
MOCK ASSESSMENT: OUR FINAL SUMMARY.

It has to be stressed that as much information is given on the initial claim form as possible.
The more info you give and depending on your illnesses/affllications there is less chance you
would need to be called for assessment (although this is still unlikely).

An illness such as Rheumatoid Arthritis has many factors that can and would score points on
both the Care Descriptors and the Mobility Descriptors even although it can be a fluctuating
disease with “flare ups”. There is most likely limited joint movement and visible
inflammation or deformity with this condition. Medication is most likey Non Steroid Anti
Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaid’s) such as Naproxen which can cause gastro intestinal problems,
your gp may have you on another drug to counter act this effect, all these things have to be
put into your assessment. Chronic pain in the effected joints must be mentioned as does any
weakness in grip, etc. You may have rheumatoid nodules which will be visible to the assessor
and deformities in the joints. You may need or have had joint replacements it all has to be
mentioned or you may need to use a walking stick for balance (that would be classed as an
aid). On your “flare ups” do you feel unwell, feverish, flu-like, tired, irritable?? then get them
told of this. It is imperative that you do not miss anything out during your assessment or on
your forms.

An illness such as Fibromyalgia is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder.

You would most likely score points in both the Care component descriptors and Mobility due
to the widespread chronic pain and fatigue that is related to this illness. Chronic fatigue, you
may have days where you cant get out of bed. You may also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome
or an Irritable bladder as a result of this illness and may need assistance with toilet needs.
Chronic headaches, Sensitivities to odours, noise, bright lights, medications and various
foods is common, i know myself i have light sensitivity with this illness and it can be a
nightmare so you must and i cant repeat this enough, YOU MUST tell them every little
symptom you have even if it seems like a minor irritation to you, it all adds up. The most
common drug for this is Amitriptyline which can cause many many side effects, read your
drug leaflet or check side effects online and if they apply to you then use them and tell them
on your initial form or at your assessment. E.g dry throat, which makes it difficult to swallow,
difficulty in speaking or hearing, fainting, there are loads with this drug so do your research if
this applies to you.

There are many illnesses out there and obviously we cant cover them all, the above are just 2
examples but in showing these examples you maybe able to adapt your own illnesses to these
scenario’s. You must research your illness, your drugs and the effects it has on you and your
quality of life to enable a full and accurate assessment and to get you what you are entitled to.
We are happy to help on this forum, if you would like to discuss your own illness for an up
and coming application form or
assessment then just PM one of us and we will get back to you as soon as possible