DWP makes major PIP announcement with assessment process 'under review'

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced the way Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed is "being kept under review" under the Labour Party government. This comes after Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome asked why "reassessments are being scheduled for people with incurable disabilities and terminal illnesses".

Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, said: "An online process is being trialled and we are looking at further potential improvements." He added: "It is, of course, important that we keep the awards under review, because sometimes they go up as well as down and we want to ensure that the support being provided is appropriate for the claimant.

"We also need to ensure that the process is accessible - I agree with him about that. Help can be provided to manage the assessment process." Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, newly appointed chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: "It was reported in the Sunday papers that a blind woman with additional complex needs had her PIP assessment over the phone, which was approved, but then she was sent a letter to confirm that."

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She added "Sense have stated that over half of the people they surveyed feel humiliated by the process. I know (Sir Stephen Timms) is eager to get this right, but could he elaborate a bit more on the changes they're making?"

In response, Sir Stephen said: "Clearly, it is absolutely vital that this process should be accessible to people with sight impairments or other impairments as well, and I completely agree with her." He promised Labour would "continue to look at" PIP assessments.

The PIP assessment is a chance for you to discuss how your condition affects you - it's not a diagnosis or a medical examination. The DWP will use evidence from the assessment to decide if you should be awarded PIP.