DWP PIP benefits update as 400,000 people receive benefits after appeal

Over the past half-decade, more than 400,000 benefit claimants have successfully secured Personal Independence Payments (PIP) after going through a mandatory reconsideration. This process allows individuals who have had their initial PIP claim rejected to challenge the decision with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), leading to a second review of their claim.

The free service applies to a range of benefits including PIP, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Income Support, among others. Official figures show that 34 per cent of the 1.3 million mandatory reconsiderations lodged for PIP resulted in a positive outcome over the last five years.

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PIP is designed to assist those with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition to cover additional daily living or mobility costs. Successful PIP claims can vary from £28.70 to £184.30 per week, paid every four weeks, equating to between £114.80 and £737.

A claimant could receive the maximum rate of both, amounting to £737.20 each pay period, or the standard rate of both, totalling £405.40. Disability minister Sir Stephen Timms has revealed that over the past five years, 32,000 people initially received zero points for their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but later got upgraded to the enhanced rate following mandatory reconsideration.

However, there's growing concern about the increasing delays in the mandatory reconsideration process, reports the Express.

Official figures indicate that waiting times for certain services surged from an average of 37 days in December 2023 to about 71 days by July 2024. However, there's been a slight improvement with averages dipping to 69 working days come September 2024, as acknowledged by Mr Timms.

On the growing concern, a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) spokesperson commented to The Sun: "We support millions of people every year and our priority is they receive a supportive service and get the benefits they are entitled to as soon as possible. We are learning from appeals and working closely with our assessment providers to improve our processes and decision-making."