How to Request a Home Visit for Your UK Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Claim

If you are applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in England or Wales, you may find it difficult to attend an assessment centre. In such cases, it is possible to request a home visit from a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) health professional to help with your claim.

When and How to Ask for a Home Visit

You should ask for a home visit when you first start your claim by calling the PIP new claims phone line. The advisor can note your request and explain whether a home visit is appropriate for your circumstances.

Home visits are not automatically granted. The DWP considers requests based on your condition, mobility, and other relevant factors. For example, if you have severe mobility problems or health conditions that make travel difficult, you are more likely to be offered a home assessment.

What Happens During a Home Visit?

If your request for a home visit is accepted, a health professional will visit you at your home to carry out the assessment. They will ask questions about how your disability or health condition affects your daily life and your ability to carry out specific activities related to PIP.

You can have someone with you during the visit, such as a family member, friend, or carer, to support you. It is advisable to prepare any relevant documents or evidence beforehand, such as medical reports, prescription lists, or care plans, to help the assessor understand your situation.

Additional Points to Consider

• If you have fluctuating conditions, explain how often and how reliably your condition affects you during the assessment, rather than focusing only on your worst days.
• Requests for home visits should be made early, ideally during the initial phone call to start your claim, as it may not be possible to change the assessment location later.
• If you are unable to speak on the phone, you can use Relay UK or British Sign Language (BSL) video relay services to make your request.

For further clarification about home visits or if you have questions during your claim, contact the PIP enquiry line directly. They can provide up-to-date advice tailored to your situation.

Official reference: https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim. Always check the latest official guidance. Related forms: Browse our form category.

Important: This article provides general information. Government rules, forms and procedures can change, and this article may not reflect the latest updates. Check current GOV.UK guidance or the relevant authority before relying on it. ITG & Co. is independent and is not affiliated with a government department.