A former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assessor has lifted the lid on a subtle but significant observation known as the 'chair test', which forms part of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process.
The Subtle Start of the PIP Assessment
According to Jacqueline Gozzard, who worked for several years as a PIP assessor, the evaluation of a claimant's physical capabilities often begins the moment they enter the building. Speaking on Dr Asif Ahmed's podcast, Gozzard explained that assessors watch which chair a person selects in the waiting room.
"[Assessment officers] start right from when they walk through the door," she stated. "There are chairs in that waiting room - some have arms on, and some don't."
Gozzard stressed that this seemingly minor choice can speak volumes. "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," she revealed.
How the Chair Test Works
The test doesn't end in the waiting area. Gozzard disclosed that a second opportunity for observation occurs when the claimant enters the assessment room itself. "When they come into the office, again, there are two chairs. One is a high back chair with arms and the other isn't - so it's which chair do they choose to sit in," the former assessor said.
This method is part of a broader toolkit used by assessors to gauge a person's true level of need, often without the claimant realising they are being observed. Gozzard, who conducted thousands of assessments, explained that casual conversation is also used strategically.
Assessors might ask how easily the claimant found the assessment centre or chat about their weekly shopping habits to informally assess their mobility and ability to navigate daily life.
Purpose and Justification of Assessment Techniques
While some may view these techniques as underhanded, Gozzard insists the approach "can go both ways." She argued that such observations can sometimes uncover genuine support needs that a claimant might not think to mention on paper forms or during a standard question-and-answer session.
The ultimate goal of the PIP assessment is to determine an individual's entitlement based on how difficult they find specific everyday activities and getting around. The findings from observations like the chair test contribute to the overall picture built by the assessor.
PIP Payment Rates and Upcoming Increases
The amount of PIP a person receives depends on how their condition affects them. The benefit has two components: a daily living part and a mobility part, each with standard and enhanced rates.
According to the latest GOV.UK information, the current weekly rates are:
- Daily living part: £73.90 (standard rate) or £110.40 (enhanced rate).
- Mobility part: £29.20 (standard rate) or £77.05 (enhanced rate).
This means the maximum total someone can currently receive is £187.45 per week, which equates to £749.80 over a standard four-week assessment period.
These figures are set to rise in April 2026. The government has announced a 3.8% increase, which will see the new rates become:
- Daily living part: £76.70 per week (standard) and £114.60 per week (enhanced).
- Mobility part: £30.30 per week (standard) and £80.00 per week (enhanced).
Consequently, from spring 2026, claimants eligible for both components at the enhanced rate could receive up to £194.60 per week. This amounts to an annual sum of approximately £10,119 for those with the highest needs.
Individuals in England and Wales can find information on how to claim PIP on the GOV.UK website. It is important to note that the system has devolved in parts of the UK. People in Scotland should apply for Adult Disability Payment, while those in Northern Ireland can research PIP claim details through specific local channels.
