Jacqueline Gozzard, a psychotherapist based in Mansfield, disclosed that patients on medication for anxiety or depression are considered ‘stable’ if they haven’t been sent for “further care” by their GP.
She explained to the Dr A Says Podcast that only those undergoing therapy, psychotherapy, or referred to a psychiatrist are seen as “not stable”, allowing their PIP application to move forward, reports the Daily Star.
The DWP, however, has contested Ms Gozzard’s assertions, insisting that assessors are “clearly instructed not to base their opinions solely on the situation seen at assessment”.
Amidst Government plans to tighten PIP’s daily living component rules to cut welfare expenditure by billions by 2030, there’s concern that individuals with anxiety and depression could face reductions in support.
Ms Gozzard illustrated the process of PIP assessments, saying: “If someone has a diagnosis of depression and anxiety. They see the GP and they are on anti-depressants.
“They are monitored by the GP for the side effects of that medication for the first six weeks and then they go on and in essence they are discharged from the GP.
“The GP will keep checking how they are doing on the medication. They are therefore classed as ‘stable’. Therefore there is no impairment.”
She added: “If they are referred for talking therapy, psychotherapy or they are referred to a psychiatrist then they are deemed as needing further care. Therefore they are not stable and it has an impact on their life.”
Placing emphasis on the assessment criteria, she explained: “If something comes in, and you ask them how often you are seeing your GP and the answer is, ‘he just sees me’, then there is no risk of harm. There is no risk of suicide because your GP is not seeing you.”
Clarifying, she added: “They have not referred you to anybody else therefore you are classed as stable. So, there will be instantly no reward.
“It is very unfair”, she concluded.
In response, a DWP Spokesperson commented: “The fact is that PIP assessment suppliers and healthcare professionals are involved in the process but are only one part of the evidence used – they have no role in the decision-making process, and are clearly instructed not to base their opinions solely on the situation seen at assessment.”
“We’re creating a sustainable welfare system that genuinely supports sick and disabled people while always protecting those who need it most, and at the heart of this is our review of the PIP assessment to ensure it is fit for the future.
“We will work with disabled people and a range of experts on this as we deliver our Plan for Change.”
Previously, we reported how Ms Gozzard revealed how the chair choice and small talk of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applicants is closely monitored “as soon as they walk in the door” for an exam.
The “sneaky” tricks are used by the DWP to find the true mobility capabilities of applicants. She said an applicant who walks past a chair with arms for one without will probably be marked down for mobility as they are deemed to not need assistance getting out of a chair.