PIP - IAS (Independent Assessment Services) methods of obtaining evidence

I am assisting my daughter with her PIP which after review was reduced. An IAS HP called me out of the blue last year, I was expecting another call so it caught me unawares. The person said they were from IAS and just wanted to ask, “Just a few questions” regarding my daughter’s claim. I am autistic and took this literally. It became an hour long interrogation, and afterwards, I felt dreadful. I found out later that they had already called her psychiatrist the day before and spoken to the receptionist.

I was very unhappy about both - firstly, if I had been asked if I wanted accommodations due to my disability, I would have asked for them, such as a scheduled time, to have my notes with me, and to record the call, and know how long it might take. Secondly, I do not believe that talking to a receptionist about my daughter’s records is acceptable as ‘medical evidence’, and yet this is how it is portrayed in the report.

I have spoken to the DWP on the phone twice regarding the mobility change, and both the manager and Decision Maker I spoke to cannot explain even the logic of the words used by the DM to reduce the award.

I have now sent complaints to both IAS and DWP. IAS have responded completely inadequately, and not addressed any of the points I raised. I am about to visit my MP to follow this up.

Is information provided by a receptionist acceptable to be used in a report, and can it be classed as ‘medical evidence’? I don’t think so.

Hi,
I’m sorry you’ve been treated like this. I even wonder if a receptionist is breaching Data protection by providing answers by phone to someone when they can’t verify who they are. I’m sure the Mods will keep you right about this. Good luck and don’t let them get you down.