In many reports done by assessors or health professionals, as they are officially called, for PIP and ESA claims, there are often filled with assumptions and speculations that have no medical or rational basis. Sadly, these assumptions are often used as a reason to deny a claimant the support they actually deserve and often desperately need.

A common one is the belief that if one person does not take a lot of strong painkillers is because they are not really in pain. But there are many reasons why someone doesn’t or cannot take lots of strong painkillers and the reasons are often explained in details in the claim form or in the evidence provided by health professionals. Often the assessor seems to choose to believe it is because the pain is bearable or non existent.

Another one is that if a person  gives eye contact, is allegedly well kempt or ‘behaves normally’ (whatever that means) cannot possibly suffer from any mental health issue. Anyone who knows anything about mental health would know things are not as simple as that. No one can make a diagnosis in 30 minutes, often contradicting the medical evidence provided with the claim pack, written by real mental health specialists.

We have asked  on Twitter for some real examples to give an idea of how bad these assessments really are and how are failing people. Here some of the answers. You can tweet yours to @wowhour or add a comment below the article. Keep them coming. 

Does not look undernourished therefore can eat and drink unaided.
Can drive so can prepare a meal unaided.
Engaged well with assessor and did not seem anxious (this for a claimant whose anxiety is so severe they could not stay in the same room as the assessor).

— Berkshire DPAC (@BerkshireDPAC) July 20, 2018

 

Has good understanding of illness and medication
Can read
Was able to hold a conversation
All for metal health

— Lana Lane (@LanaLane79) July 19, 2018

 

Refused to get on couch therefore can bath and shower unaided
MRI can improve functionality

— sally roberts (@sallyroberts70) July 19, 2018

 

“Was able to raise hand to adjust glasses.” Whilst sitting on bed, slumped forward, both arms supported by pillows, head fell forward and glasses slid down. Head now 2-3” from hand on pillow, 1 finger moved to push them back.

— Radical Lambchop #AEweForEU #FinalSay (@CurlyClareToo) July 19, 2018

Has good understanding of illness and medication
Can read
Was able to hold a conversation
All for metal health

— Lana Lane (@LanaLane79) July 19, 2018

They also love using the phrase ‘looks well’. Can mean anything they want it to mean. I was in bed, horizontal in the dark with my sick bowl when they assessed me, waiting to have the first of two brain surgeries but apparently I ‘looked well’. Overturned at Tribunal.

— Chronic Pain Cockney (@chroniccockney) July 20, 2018

I asked for my records and it stated ‘wears lace up boots’

— Masha Wollstonski (@molesteeth) July 19, 2018

Make sure you wear slip on shoes or they’ll cut your benefits because you can tie your own laces

— Masha Wollstonski (@molesteeth) July 20, 2018

Indeed those assumptions meaning you get or don’t get points! They are supposed to use factual information.

— We Paid In U Pay Out (@wepaidinupayout) July 19, 2018

I said I don’t really eat much and when i do cook its ramen noodles and apparently i can make a simple meal for myself 👌

— 👻🎃 alana vee 🎃👻 (@hxcfairy) July 20, 2018

My grand daughter varnished one of my thumbnails, therefore I was “well kempt” and I didn’t rock in my seat, these things made me fit for work. Didn’t matter that I chewed right through my sleeve with stress

— Sarah Davis (@iceymonkey) July 20, 2018

my husband was told he smiled too much during his assessment as if that has anything to do with his physical condition.

— Joanne Hughes (@Hughes_Imbas54) July 20, 2018

“Takes herself to art class so can both navigate and socialise”

I have been receiving Art Psychotherapy at the same NHS hospital unit for 15 years. It’s not a class, it’s a mental healthcare treatment it’s usually just me & my therapist…

— MH (@MH220913) July 20, 2018

I broke down in tears and was able to wipe my tears away myself.

— Mary tait (@Marytait6) July 20, 2018