The DWP has confirmed that a review of the PIP eligibility process will be conducted by Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, who will be working alongside disabled groups and charities
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has vowed to “provide an update shortly” on the feedback it collected over the summer concerning the proposed overhaul of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility system. Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, will lead the examination, drawing on input from disabled people, organisations, specialists and other key figures.
This follows the DWP announcing that qualification for PIP’s mobility element will be re-examined alongside the daily living element as part of fresh government benefit changes. It was earlier confirmed that Sir Stephen will work with disability groups and charities to carry out the assessment, the Daily Record reports.
Recent DWP figures show that approximately 37 per cent of all 3.8 million recipients were getting the enhanced rate of both the daily living element and mobility element at the end of July. This came in a written reply to Conservative MP Bradley Thomas, who asked about the ‘timetable for reviewing the PIP assessment process’ and whether the DWP plans to ‘consult with disabled people, carers and the wider public during that review process’.
Sir Stephen explained: “To ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work, the Timms Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, carers, experts, MPs and others. We have also confirmed that a majority of the Review’s leadership group will be disabled.”
He went on to say that this group “will not work alone” and will “shape a programme of participation and engagement that brings together the full range of views and voices”.
The DWP Minister continued: “Over the summer, I met with disabled people, disabled people’s organisations, disability, welfare and carers’ charities, think tanks and other experts to discuss and listen to how we should approach co-production in the Timms Review.
“We are working through this feedback and will provide an update shortly.”
Benefits accessible with a PIP award
If you make a successful claim for PIP, you may be able to get more than a steady income. In fact, PIP can open the door for a range of other benefits and support, including:
- Motability scheme
- Disability premiums
- Council tax discounts
- Blue Badges
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit – only if you get the PIP daily living component
- Access to Work
- Employment and Support Allowance – only if you get the PIP daily living component
- Universal Credit
- Christmas Bonus
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance / Carer Support Payment
- Carer’s Credit
- Income Support
- Council Tax Reduction
Full details on who is currently eligible for PIP can be found on GOV.UK here.
