PIP claims have reached the highest level on record according to newly released data from the DWP. These statistics concern PIP claims up until 2021 and while the DWP detailed some ongoing disruption was caused by coronavirus to the application process, but progress has been seen in the first quarter of 2021.
“We need a welfare system and assessment process that gets it right first time.
“The Government must use the upcoming green paper to overhaul the system, and iron out routine inaccuracies and mistrust.”
Specifically, Scope urged the following changes to be introduced and/or prioritised:
- Assessments accurately capture disabled people’s needs
- Claimant choice over assessment format (video, telephone, etc)
- Fully accessible system from start to finish
- Ensuring assessors have appropriate knowledge of the claimant’s condition or impairment
- Greater information-sharing between different benefit processes, with the claimant’s permission
- Greater transparency and accountability of assessment providers
As it stands, PIP can be received by those aged between 16 and state pension age.
Additionally, they must also have a physical or mental health condition or disability where they have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months.
Additionally, these difficulties must be expected to continue for at least nine months.
Claimants will also need to have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years, and be living in one of these countries when they apply.
Claims for PIP can be made by telephone, textphone or through the post and following an initial claim, most people will go through an assessment process.
During this process, an independent health professional will assess the claimants condition(s) and determine how much should be awarded.
Should a claimant be unhappy with a decision on their claim, they can have it challenged under mandatory reconsideration rules.
PIP claims may also be routinely reviewed going forward to ensure the correct amount of money is paid out.
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