- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is introducing new legislation to establish minimum review periods for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims, aiming to reduce the frequency of reassessments for many claimants.
- Under the new rules, all new PIP claims will have a minimum review period of three years, which will extend to five years at their next review if the claimant's entitlement remains unchanged.
- This reform is intended to alleviate 'unnecessary pressure' on disabled claimants, enhance system efficiency, and free up health professionals to address the existing assessment backlog, given that 60 per cent of current reviews result in no change.
- Disability minister Sir Stephen Timms confirmed these changes, which also include an increase in face-to-face PIP assessments from 6 per cent to 30 per cent, as part of a broader review of PIP to ensure it is 'fair and fit for the future'.
- Disability Rights UK welcomed the reduced review frequency, acknowledging it makes sense for both disabled people and the DWP, but expressed concerns regarding the increase in face-to-face assessments due to potential physical and emotional challenges.
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