A former benefits assessor has disclosed that the 'chair test' is a discreet method used by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to evaluate Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants from the moment they arrive. Jacqueline Gozzard, who worked as a PIP assessor for several years, explained on Dr Asif Ahmed's podcast that the choice of seating in waiting rooms and assessment offices can reveal a claimant's physical capabilities.
Gozzard stated that assessors observe whether claimants select chairs with or without arms. She said: 'If [the claimant] has walked past chairs with arms and gone to a chair without arms, then [the assessor] would deem that they haven't got that much of a problem getting out of a chair because of that choice.' The test is repeated in the assessment room, where two chairs—one with arms and one without—are provided.
Beyond the chair test, Gozzard noted that assessors use casual conversation to gauge claimants' abilities, such as asking about their journey to the assessment centre or their weekly shopping. She insisted these techniques can 'go both ways,' sometimes uncovering support needs that standard forms miss. Gozzard has conducted thousands of assessments during her career.
The current maximum weekly PIP is £187.45 (£749.80 over four weeks) for those qualifying for both daily living and mobility components at the enhanced rate. From April 2026, rates will rise by 3.8%, with the daily living component increasing to £76.70 (standard) and £114.60 (enhanced) per week, and the mobility component to £30.30 and £80 respectively. Eligible claimants could then receive up to £194.60 per week, or £10,119 annually.
