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Need to know
The Department for Work and Pensions has provided an update as a number of changes are made to the service
PIP reforms explained over accessibility for claimants – what you need to know
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued guidance on some reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) that will impact all claimants across England and Wales.
- The changes come as PIP claimant numbers hit a record high of over four million people as of July. This represents a 7% increase in those eligible for the benefit, which helps cover extra living costs for people with long-term physical or mental health conditions.
- After a question about the ‘timeline’ of the completion of the process for all claimants, Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State, revealed that over 90% of new PIP applicants can now submit health information online after starting claims by phone. He said: “This is benefiting customers by removing postage times and increasing accessibility.”
- The Health Transformation Programme is modernising the entire PIP service with simpler application processes, the government claims. Officials say the programme aims to “build trust in our services and decisions, and create a more efficient service for taxpayers.”
- By the end of the programme, claimants will be able to view application progress and report changes online. This will reduce the need to call enquiry lines and make the system more accessible, the government says.
- PIP consists of two components – daily living support for routine tasks and mobility assistance for getting around. The amount depends on how difficult individuals find everyday activities, and people can qualify regardless of employment status or savings.
- Officials say the reforms represent a complete overhaul of disability benefits with new IT systems and streamlined processes being introduced.
- READ THE FULL STORY: DWP Thursday update over PIP changes ‘benefiting’ millions of claimants
