Get ready for the PIP medical assessment
Most people have to go to a medical assessment to claim PIP.
Your medical assessment is done by Atos or Capita, depending on where you live. Atos and Capita are private companies which have been contracted by the government to do the medical assessments.
Appointment letter
Once you have sent back your form, you will get a letter confirming they have received your claim. This will be followed by an appointment letter from Atos or Capita, which you should receive in a few weeks, though in some areas there are delays and it could take longer.
The appointment letter will ask you to go to an appointment at an assessment centre. The appointment should be at least one week away.
If you can’t go to the appointment, make sure you contact Atos or Capita straight away. Their phone number is on the appointment letter that they send you.
If it is impossible for you to go to the assessment centre, for example because you are housebound, you might be able to have the assessment done at home. You need to contact Atos or Capita to ask for a home visit. Atos or Capita might ask you for medical evidence to show that you can’t get to the assessment centre.
Get ready for the assessment
You can take someone with you to the medical assessment. It can be someone who cares for you, or a friend or a member of your family.
Plan how you will get to the assessment centre before the day of your assessment. Your appointment letter includes a map and directions. If you are not sure how to get there call Atos or Capita on the number in your appointment letter.
Make sure you have the money you need to get to the assessment centre. You can get money back later if you use public transport (bus, tram or train). You can get some money back later for fuel if you, or the person who goes with you, drives to the assessment centre. You cannot get money back later if you get a taxi, unless Atos or Capita agree that they will pay for it before you go.
Updated November 2018