The Government has set out the process for how a PIP (Personal Independence Payment) claim is processed when the person has epilepsy.
Alliance MP Steven Farry asked the Government what “guidance” the DWP provides for PIP assessors when they are looking at a claim where the applicant has epilepsy.
Disabilities minister Tom Pursglove replied to clarify that all claimants are assessed in line with the PIP Assessment guide, which is available to view on the Government website.
He added: “All PIP health professionals (HPs) complete training on neurological conditions, including epilepsy.
“HPs can access a wide range of clinical resources, including e-learning modules and case studies, to research any conditions presented.”
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He said HPs also have a Condition Insight Report to help them understand how epilepsy can affect people.
Mr Pursglove also said: “HPs are also expected to keep their knowledge up to date through Continuous Professional Development.”
Guidance on the Epilepsy Action website outlines that as epilepsy is a variable condition, PIP applicants will need to demonstrate they are affected by the condition for at least half the time.
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The advice states: “Make sure you can explain clearly about your epilepsy and how it affects you.
“Don’t just talk about your seizure frequency. They need to know about all possible impact on your life, including such things as anxiety and memory problems.”
Applicants with epilepsy may also be able to support their claim by explaining if they have to go to hospital because of a seizure and how long it takes to recover.
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PIP includes a daily living element and a mobility element with a lower or upper payment rate depending on how much a person’s condition affects them.
These are the current weekly payment rates:
Daily living element
- Lower – £68.10
- Higher – £101.75.
Mobility element
- Lower – £26.90
- Higher – £71.
PIP is being replaced in Scotland by the Adult Disability Payment, which has the same payment rates and qualifying medical conditions.
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