28 March 2019

Secret recording of face-to-face benefits assessment shows Capita assessor lying about woman’s thoughts of suicide.

What: A woman (Diane, not her real name) secretly records her face-to-face benefits assessment carried out by Capita. Despite repeatedly talking about her thoughts of suicide, her disability benefits were later removed after the assessor lied in an assessment report, stating: “They deny any current thoughts of suicide and/or self-harm.” A month after the assessment, Diane attempts to take her own life. Three weeks later, on 6 January, as a result of the assessment report, DWP removes Diane’s eligibility for PIP.

Why significant: Shows continuing concerns about the honesty of assessors, and links between the assessment process and suicidal thoughts and actions of claimants.