DWP issues warning to anyone claiming PIP over 58-week delay in payment

The Department for Work and Pensions has moved to explain the extreme length of time thousands of benefit claimants are waiting for a review. The DWPminister explained that many disabled benefit claimants are having to wait more than a year to have their claim reassessed.

The DWP provided the crucial update on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) waiting times. Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, warned claimants reporting a change in circumstances typically wait an average of 69 working days.

He also said that when the DWP initiates a review - usually if someone is nearing the end of their award - that requires an assessment by a health provider, the average waiting time is 290 working days, around 58 weeks.

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If the benefit claimant does not require an assessment, it takes on average 252 working days for the review to be completed, approximately 50 weeks. Sir Stephen said: "We make every effort to conduct award reviews as soon as possible. Most decisions are made without the need for an assessment by a Healthcare Professional."

"Where the claimant requests a review of their Personal Independence Payment award, the median wait is 69 working days as of September 2024. When the review is initiated by the department, the median wait for a decision that is referred to an assessment provider is 290 working days as of September 2024, and 252 days where it is not referred to an assessment provider."

He further stated: "Whilst reviews are outstanding, all payments to existing claimants continue. Should a review identify eligibility for an increased award, backdated payments will be made where appropriate to ensure claimants are not adversely impacted by delays."

You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change straight away. You must also contact the PIP enquiry line straight away if your personal details change, for example your name, address, phone numbers, bank account or doctor or someone is acting on your behalf and that person changes.