If you can’t travel to a PIP assessment centre, a home assessment is an alternative. Here’s how to arrange one and what to expect when the assessor visits.
Who Qualifies for a Home Assessment
Home assessments are available for claimants who cannot reasonably attend an assessment centre. Common qualifying reasons:
| Reason | Example |
|---|---|
| Severe mobility limitation | Wheelchair user with no accessible transport, cannot walk to/from car |
| Mental health | Severe agoraphobia, PTSD making unknown environments impossible |
| Medical equipment needs | On home oxygen, attached to medical devices |
| Seizure/fainting risk | Unsafe to travel due to unpredictable episodes |
| Severe fatigue | CFS/ME or similar where travel would cause multi-day PEM |
| Cognitive impairment | Leaving home causes severe confusion or distress |
| Post-surgical | Recovery period where travel is medically inadvisable |
How to Request a Home Assessment
Step 1: Mention It in Your PIP2 Form
In the additional information section, write:
“I am unable to attend an assessment centre because [reason]. I request a home assessment. Supporting evidence from my GP/specialist is attached.”
Step 2: When Your Appointment Letter Arrives
Call the assessment provider immediately (phone number on the letter):
- Explain why you need a home visit
- Reference any medical evidence you’ve already submitted
- Ask them to confirm the home assessment in writing
Step 3: Follow Up
If your request is refused, ask for the decision in writing and:
- Request your GP writes a supporting letter
- Explain the specific dangers of travelling
- Contact Citizens Advice for support in challenging the refusal
What Happens During a Home Assessment
Before the Visit
- The assessor confirms the date and time by letter
- Clear a space where you can sit comfortably with the assessor
- You don’t need to tidy your home — the assessor is there to see how your condition affects you
- Have your evidence documents, medication list, and any aids visible and ready
- Arrange for a support person to be present
During the Visit
| Stage | What Happens | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Introductions | Assessor identifies themselves, explains the process | 5 minutes |
| Health background | Questions about your conditions, treatments, medications | 10-15 minutes |
| Daily living activities | Questions about each of the 10 daily living activities | 20-30 minutes |
| Mobility activities | Questions about walking and journey planning | 10-15 minutes |
| Physical observations | Assessor may ask you to demonstrate simple movements | 5-10 minutes |
| Closing | Assessor explains next steps | 5 minutes |
Informal Observations
The assessor is trained to observe:
- How you answer the door (if you do)
- How you move around your home
- Your posture and apparent comfort
- Aids and adaptations visible in your home
- Your concentration and engagement during the assessment
- Whether you appear consistent with your described limitations
What the Assessor Can and Can’t Do
| Can Do | Can’t Do |
|---|---|
| Ask you questions about daily life | Search your home |
| Observe your immediate environment | Open cupboards or drawers |
| Note visible aids and adaptations | Demand to see rooms you haven’t invited them into |
| Ask you to do gentle movements (if safe) | Force you to do physical tests |
| Ask to see your medication | Access your phone or personal items |
Preparing Your Home
Practical Tips
- Don’t clean up — If your home is messy because you can’t manage housework, that’s evidence
- Keep aids visible — Walking frame, shower seat, adapted cutlery, medication boxes
- Have medication ready — They’ll ask about your medications
- Prepare drinks/snacks in advance — You won’t want to be making tea during the assessment
- Temperature — If heat/cold affects your condition, have the room at a comfortable temperature
Documents to Have Ready
- PIP2 form (your copy)
- Medical evidence and letters
- Appointment records
- Medication list
- Prescription bags showing current medications
Having Someone Present
You have the right to have another person present during a home assessment. This is strongly recommended.
Good Support People
- Partner, family member, or friend who knows your daily difficulties
- Support worker or carer
- Citizen’s Advice advisor or welfare rights representative
- Anyone you feel comfortable having present
Their Role
- Provide moral support
- Remind you of things you forget to mention
- Clarify points if you’re struggling to explain
- Take notes on what’s discussed
- Challenge any inaccurate observations
- Help you feel less intimidated
Tips for the Assessment
- Be honest about your worst days — Don’t put on a brave face
- If you’re having a good day, say so — “Today is better than usual. On most days I can’t…”
- Explain consequences — “If I walk to the kitchen, I need to rest for 20 minutes before I can do anything else”
- Don’t demonstrate abilities you don’t have — If they ask you to reach up and you can’t, say so
- Mention everything — Every condition, every difficulty, every aid
- If something hurts, show it — Grimace, stop, explain — don’t push through
- Ask for breaks — You can pause at any time
After the Assessment
The assessor writes a report and sends it to DWP. A DWP decision maker then makes the final decision. You’ll receive:
- A decision letter (usually 4-8 weeks later)
- The opportunity to request the assessment report if you disagree
If you disagree with the outcome, follow the Mandatory Reconsideration and tribunal appeal process.