DWP issues assessment warning and fresh guidance for PIP claimants

DWP has sent an assessment warning for PIP claimants and those coming to the end of their award, saying fresh claims for PIP (Personal Independence Payment) are now being processed.

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a deadline warning for PIP assessments. The DWP has sent an assessment warning for PIP claimants and those coming to the end of their award, saying fresh claims for PIP (Personal Independence Payment) are now being processed.

The DWP has urged claimants to report any changes in the circumstances while it considers fresh applications. In Scotland,277,764 people are still awaiting the transfer of their award from the DWP to the devolved Social Security Scotland. Anybody making a fresh PIP claim will be assessed under the new Adult Disability Payment which is set to replace PIP north of the border.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Tom Pursglove MP said that his priority is "reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants". He said: “We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner.

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"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 average end-to-end journey has reduced from 26 weeks in August 2021 to 15 weeks at the end of July 2023.” Mr Pursglove MP added: “In addition, the Health Transformation Programme (HTP) is modernising health and disability benefit services to create a more efficient service, to reduce processing times and improving trust in our services and decisions.”

He continued: “As part of this, from July 2023, a limited number of claimants have been able to begin their claim for PIP entirely online, which we aim to roll out across England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the end of 2024.”