Has Capita changed the rules regarding PIP home visits?

Hi,

Do you know if Capita has changed the eligibility criteria regarding home assessments for PIP?

I was under the impression that Capita offered home assessments for anybody who asked for one. Certainly, I was given one when I asked back in November, with no fuss. I know Atos can be more difficult insofar as requiring medical evidence etc, but I thought Capita were OK to do so merely at the claimant's request.

Has this policy changed? My dad is migrating from DLA to PIP and received a letter today advising him to attend a centre (despite doctor's letters etc sent with the claim advising that he cannot attend due to mobility issues and "very poor mental state", and that any assessment must be carried out at home). I phoned up on his behalf to ask for a home visit instead, only to be told that a medical assessor had reviewed his claim and decided that he is capable of attending a centre, so that is what he must do unless we were to ask for a "reconsideration" - which I did, and the woman on the phone said that this will take 24/48 hours to decide. She also asked if we had any further evidence to support the request. I said no, because all supporting evidence had already been sent in with the claim anyway.

She also cancelled his scheduled appointment for a face to face assessment at the centre whilst on the phone, so I hope the new date and time that they eventually give will be convenient because I suppose this has used up his one permitted change, even though he hasn't been given a new appointment date as yet, so we can't confirm if it is suitable.

Any thoughts?

Hi J,

I am not aware of any changes regarding Capita's operational procedures.

They did state that they would be willing to provide Home Assessments at the claimant's request when they put tenders into The DWP to gain the contract to carry out PIP Assessments.

This is what it states :

"Consultations will be held in your own home, or in a consultation centre that is no further than 90 minutes from your home following the most direct route.
We will refund your travel expenses back to you. Please keep any receipts and fill in the expenses claim form we send you with the confirmation of your appointment."

In : Capita's Guide to PIP Assessment on Page 9.

Maybe they are finding the provision of Home Assessments is reducing their "bottom line profits" !

After all, like ATOS and Maximus they are a profit making organisation !

Please keep us updated.

bro58

Hi J,

Even though my response : Here is with respect to Maximus insisting that the OP attends an ESA F2F Assessment, some of my suggestions on how to fight back make help if Capita "dig their heels in" !!!

bro58

I was given an appointment over 90mins away in may my daughter rang this morning to tell them CAPITA I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET THERE and they changed it for a home visist straight away for this friday

kim wrote: I was given an appointment over 90mins away in may my daughter rang this morning to tell them CAPITA I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET THERE and they changed it for a home visist straight away for this friday

Hi k,

Thanks for providing an update regarding your query : Here.

bro58

Hi,

Capita phoned back today still refusing the home assessment. They said a letter from a GP is now required. I asked if this was a policy change, she said yes, but couldn't say when it came into force. I asked her to find out and she promised to call back later today. Still waiting...

Meanwhile, I phoned PIP who were astounded that Capita wouldn't give a home assessment and have been promised a callback from a case manager within 5 working days.

Is there a complaints e-mail for Capita?