A new research report by the MS Society shows that more than half of people with MS surveyed didn’t feel their assessor understood their MS.
Too often, the research finds, PIP assessors make inaccurate decisions based on ‘informal observations’ (the way people look or act during their assessment).
67% of people with MS whose assessment included these said they didn’t reflect how MS affects them.
In addition, 83% of people with MS who appeal their PIP decision after moving from DLA win their case at tribunal shows how inappropriate assessments continue to be for people with MS.
As a result, the report makes many detailed recommendations relating to the end to end process for claiming PIP, from the application form, to the face to face assessment, to the decision making and appeals.
The MS Society says:
“PIP provides vital support to people with MS and helps pay for things such as adapted cars and help around the home, or for therapies that help manage the condition and symptoms.
But too many people with MS are denied the right level of support, because of an application and assessment process that does not work for people with a fluctuating condition such as MS.
… We need a PIP process we can trust. Decisions must be backed by evidence not assumptions. And assessments should be carried out by people with good knowledge of MS.”
PIP fails is available at www.mssociety.org.uk