DWP PIP changes as claimants to face new assessment rules

Thousands of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients could see significant changes after new policy updates. An anticipated overhaul in the PIP assessment process is set to address massive delays faced by claimants.

Jobcentre chiefs are now expected to have an increased role in deciding the outcomes of PIP claims. It will mark a departure from the traditional approach of healthcare professional involvement.

A large-scale recruitment of case managers has been launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The move has been connected to efforts to reduce the current assessment and review backlog, according to Labour.

Sir Stephen Timms, a Labour minister, discussed the forthcoming adjustments during a recent parliamentary debate. He highlighted that the process will be quickened, with case managers poised to "decisions on reviews, avoiding the need for a functional assessment."

These alterations to PIP assessments are part of a broader attempt by the DWP to streamline the review procedure. The aim is to give benefits case managers greater freedom to make decisions independently of healthcare professionals' input, provided that sufficient evidence is already available, reports the Mirror.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is progressing towards the use of either in-house or exclusive single private provider agreements for regional benefit assessments across England, with the objective of boosting efficiency. However, the DWP has conceded that it could "take some time" for these new providers to adapt to the swelling volume of required evaluations, especially considering the surge in long-term disability and illness cases.

Presently, approximately 3.4 million individuals benefit from the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is dispersed monthly at two different rates: standard and enhanced. The standard rate provides £290 every month to those eligible due to disabilities, while the more substantial enhanced rate grants £434 each month to those with more acute conditions.

At this time, applicants are enduring prolonged delays for assessments or reconsiderations for the higher tier of PIP, with some waiting times reaching beyond several months. Social Security and Disability Minister Timms confirmed the extent of the delay in a written declaration, stating: "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."

Timms highlighted that case managers will turn to their judgement "where sufficient evidence/information is available", which should result in claimants getting "a decision faster" than usual. He also mentioned the shift towards telephone interviews for most PIP assessments, a move designed to expedite the process.

The advisory group Benefits and Work elucidated that these adjustments signify "more PIP reviews but fewer assessments" for claimants. Still, they have cautioned that an earlier DWP trial this year demonstrated "the system worked best if consultation with a health professional took place in every case."

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has updated its protocols to safeguard individuals living with severe illnesses or disabilities from unnecessary evaluations. Timms revealed: "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."