A casual conversation about supermarket shopping during a PIP assessment could influence the outcome of a claim, according to a former DWP assessor. Jacqueline Gozzard, who has evaluated thousands of Personal Independence Payment claims, said seemingly innocent questions about a claimant's journey to the assessment centre can reveal far more than they realise.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by Dr Asif Ahmed, Ms Gozzard explained that she would begin assessments with a simple question: 'Did you find us okay?' The response, she said, often included unsolicited details such as a recent trip to an Asda store. She would then follow up by asking whether the item was still on sale and when the person last visited. 'With that, they've actually told me how often they go out and what they do before they've even sat down,' she said.
Ms Gozzard said the assessment actually starts from the moment a claimant walks through the door, with the waiting room design forming part of an informal 'chair test'. The type of seat a person chooses in the waiting room, and later in the assessment room, can be a telling indicator of their physical and mental state, she claimed.
While this approach may seem underhand, the assessor said it can work in favour of claimants. People who have undersold their difficulties on their application forms may inadvertently demonstrate the true extent of their struggles, potentially strengthening their case.
PIP awards are based on the level of difficulty experienced with daily living tasks and mobility. The highest weekly payment is currently £187.45, or £749.80 over four weeks, for claimants receiving both elements at the enhanced rate. From April 2026, payments are due to rise by 3.8%, with the daily living component increasing to between £76.70 and £114.60 weekly and the mobility component to between £30.30 and £80.
Individuals in England and Wales can find information on claiming PIP on the GOV.UK website. Those in Scotland should refer to Adult Disability Payment, while claimants in Northern Ireland can visit the government's PIP information page.
