DWP delays major change to PIP applications that could speed up claims
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reported to have delayed the rollout of an online application system for Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
PIP is a benefit that is awarded to people who have illness, disability or mental health condition, and need extra help with daily activities. The DWP started trialing online PIP applications in January 2022 and aimed to make it available across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2024.
It is hoped this will speed up the application process, with it currently taking 20 weeks for people to receive an award decision. However, The Sun reports that the full roll-out of the online system has been delayed for up to "several years". The DWP has been contacted for comment.
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PIP online applications are currently only available to around 60 people each day, in select locations across the country. Those who believe they may be eligible for PIP can still apply by phone or by post, even once the online system is fully functional.
PIP comes in two parts and you can be entitled to both or just one of these, depending on how your condition affects your life. There is a daily living rate, which is worth either £72.65 or £108.55 a week, and a mobility rate, which is worth either £28.70 or £75.75 a week. If you qualify for the higher rates, this means you'll get up to £737.20 every four weeks. PIP can be paid weekly if you are terminally ill.
Most people will need to complete an assessment before their claim for PIP is approved, and this can take place in person, over the phone or by video call. During an assessment, you'll be asked to explain how your condition affects your life.
During your assessment, you'll be awarded points for the daily living and mobility parts of PIP. If you score between eight and 11 points for your daily living needs in the PIP test, you get the standard rate of the daily living component. You get the higher rate of daily living component if you score 12 points or more.
If you score between eight and 11 points for your mobility needs, you get the standard rate of the mobility component. If you score 12 points or more, you get the higher rate of mobility component. Those who have a terminal illness normally won't need to undertake a PIP assessment.
PIP claims generally last for a period of time before they’re reviewed – normally this is between one year to ten years. You need to be aged 16 and above to claim PIP. Once you reach state pension age, you will most likely have to claim Attendance Allowance instead, as you can normally only make a new claim for PIP if you were eligible in the last 12 months.
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