DWP making huge PIP assessments change that could see 'faster' decisions

Personal Independence Payment assessments will be sped up with case managers making decisions

Thousands of disabled Brits have been caught in lengthy delays awaiting assessments by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), but a recent overhaul could see these queues shrink. The change involves Jobcentre managers potentially taking a more direct role in deciding on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims, bypassing the need for a formal assessment by healthcare professionals.

In order to address the swelling amount of reviews and appraisals, the DWP has been recruiting case managers in large numbers. In answering a parliamentary question, Labour Minister Sir Stephen Timms disclosed that these changes to PIP will enable a quicker resolution process, with case managers at the helm for "decisions on reviews, avoiding the need for a functional assessment."

The admission that disability evaluations were changing coincides with the implementation of new DWP contracts for regional benefit assessments from the beginning of this month. These will now either be managed internally or assigned to a single private provider for each region across England, a move aimed at bolstering efficiency.

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Nevertheless, DWP acknowledged that it might "take some time" for these providers to cope with the growing volume of assessments needed, reflecting an increase in long-term illnesses and disabilities.

There are an estimated 3.4 million individuals receiving aid via Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which disburses funds monthly at two different rates - a standard and enhanced rate. The standard rate offers £290 a month to those with qualifying disabilities, while the higher needs category receives £434.

However, many recipients have faced lengthy delays in having their cases assessed or reviewed for the heightened rate.

In comments made by Minister for Social Security and Disability, Stephen Timms, he acknowledged these extended wait times: "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."

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to grant benefits case managers more autonomy in decisions over PIP appraisals in an effort to tackle the backlog and expedite financial aid to those in need. These managers will have the authority to decide on reviews and assessments absent a healthcare professional's supervision.

Minister Timms explained that such determinations by case managers would be enacted "where sufficient evidence/information is available," which could result in claimants getting "a decision faster" than currently experienced. Furthermore, he pointed out that the majority of PIP evaluations conducted by professionals are now performed via telephone to quicken proceedings.

Claimants are facing "more PIP reviews but fewer assessments", as reported by the Benefits and Work forum. However, it should be noted that a DWP trial earlier this year indicated that "the system worked best if consultation with a health professional took place in every case."

Moreover, under the new Labour DWP leadership, individuals suffering from severe medical conditions and disabilities are spared from unnecessary reassessments. Minister Timms explained: "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."