Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Emma Munbodh

Benefits applications are finally changing - and it might actually be good news

The way in which Brits apply for certain Government benefits is changing - and it will actually make life easier for the millions of people who receive state support every year.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently working on a new applications system that will cover all benefits in one.

Under the changes, a single IT system will be used to apply for all benefits - meaning you won't have to re-apply if you need financial help with something else, such as a disability.

At present, separate organisations currently run the assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Work Capability Assessments, Employment Support Allowance and Universal Credit - and they all use different IT systems.

However, the DWP said a new system will roll all assessments into a single digital platform, making life easier for applicants.

The new initiative will mean that people in receipt of more than one benefit will not have to provide the same information more than once.

It should make the claims system a lot easier to use (E+)

However the DWP is yet to reveal details of where in the UK the trial will start.

Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson said: "We are committed to providing the best possible support for people with a disability. That’s why we have listened to feedback from both charities and claimants to bring all assessments under one roof.

"It's important we get this right, which is why we’ll trial the new service on a regional scale before rolling it out nationally.

"These changes show that we are moving in the right direction and the planned Green Paper will go further as we continue to improve the experience for people with long-term health conditions and disabilities."

The new service will be introduced in 2021 before being rolled out nationally.

This single service will deliver the assessments for PIP and also the Work Capability Assessments in Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.