Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer on 30 April 2019 to Question 245707, Personal Independence Payment: Terminal Illnesses, whether the Assessment Provider discusses a personal independence payment claim made under special rules for terminal illness with the claimant’s GP prior to rejecting as a special rules case for not satisfying the terminally ill definition.

Assessment Providers undertake Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI) provisions in accordance with the department’s PIP Assessment Guide. Medical evidence is required to be able to advise the department on a claim, and this is often provided on form DS1500 along with the claim.

When it appears that the criteria for a SRTI claim is not met, the Assessment Provider will contact the health professional(s) named on the customer’s claim or records to clarify the situation prior to issuing their advice to the department.