DWP issues new PIP assessment update for people making a first-time claim or coming to end of award
05.12.2023 - 18:43
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said that new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are now being processed - from point of application to award decision letter being sent out - within 15 weeks. Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP also said that “reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority”.
New claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by Adult Disability Payment (ADP), however, there are still 277,764 people north of the border waiting to have their award transferred from the DWP to the devolved welfare system at Social Security Scotland. This means that until their case is transferred, any changes in circumstances should be reported to the DWP.
Mr Pursglove also explained how the Health Transformation Programme is “modernising health and disability benefit services to create a more efficient service” in England and Wales, to “reduce processing times” and improve trust in decision-making.
The Minister’s comments came after Labour and Co-operative Party MP, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, asked what steps the DWP is taking to reduce waiting times for PIP assessments.
In his written response earlier this week, Mr Pursglove said: “We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner. Reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service.
“We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all available evidence, including that from the claimant.
“We have seen a decrease in PIP clearance times, with the latest statistics showing that the