DWP changes assessments for benefit claimed by 3.4 million people

As of April 30, 2024, there were 3.4 million people in England and Wales who were entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The Department for Work and Pensions has rolled out a key change to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) - which are claimed by three million people. As of April 30, 2024, there were 3.4 million people in England and Wales who were entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

This was a 3% increase from the number of claimants at the end of January 2024. Under PIP changes from the DWP, instead of undergoing a review or assessment by a healthcare professional, Jobcentre managers are set to take on a larger role.

The DWP have recruited additional PIP case managers and are now aiming to increase the number of PIP review decisions made without the need for the claimant to attend an assessment. The move to catch up on the massive backlog of PIP reviews was revealed by the minister for disabled people.

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The change was confirmed by Labour Party Minister Sir Stephen Timms. Responding to a question from the SNP in the Commons, Mr Timms said: "We continue to prioritise new claims to PIP to ensure claims are put into payment as quickly as possible.

"Unfortunately, this means many customers are waiting longer than expected for their review to be undertaken." Minister Timms stated: "We've introduced a change for customers with the most severe conditions, on the highest level of support, who now receive an ongoing PIP award which is only subject to a light touch review every 10 years."

Detailed “evidence/information”, though not necessarily medical evidence, will be vital for claimants who wish to be spared an assessment, Benefits and Work, a disability forum, has confirmed. Mr Timms went on to say that the new health assessment providers who began work this month will “be taking steps to ensure they have sufficient capacity to deliver the required volume of assessments” but that it will take time to train new healthcare professionals.