A new report found ‘unacceptable’ delays for PIP applicants
Concerns have been raised over the health risks claimants trying to get PIP are facing. A report from the Public Accounts Committee has revealed applicants for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are facing ‘unacceptable’ waiting times.
The report warns that these delays can push disabled people into debt and poverty, while campaigners have also flagged potential health risks. Now Evan John, Policy Advisor at national disability charity Sense, has expressed concern, stating: “Almost half of disabled people with complex needs said applying for benefits made their condition worse because of how difficult and exhausting the process is.”
He further added: “The Public Account Committee’s report is proof that, despite the impression sometimes given by the public debate, it is far from easy to access the benefits system. The Department for Work and Pensions needs to work with disabled people to improve how benefit claims are handled, making sure everyone can access the support they are entitled to as easily and as quickly as possible.
“It’s also crucial the government does not cut disability benefits any further, which could push even more people into poverty.”
The report highlighted that some claimants had to wait over a year for their claim to be processed, criticising the government for lacking a short-term plan to address these delays. Lucy Bannister, head of policy and influencing at Turn2us, echoed these sentiments, saying: “In the sixth richest global economy, we should all get support if we become sick or disabled. Making disabled people wait months for help is unacceptable.”
She highlighted that a straightforward solution might be much closer to home than the DWP expects, saying: “A less complicated and more accessible application for disability support, as in Scotland, would help reduce waiting times, stop more disabled people from falling into poverty and help more people live independently.”
James Taylor, Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope, emphasised that disabled people already contend with higher living costs than their non-disabled counterparts, making the situation even worse for those awaiting crucial financial assistance. He stated: “PIP is a lifeline for disabled people. The cost of living is still sky high and disabled people are far more likely to live in poverty. At the very least the government must get its administration right.”
Three years ago, the government set out plans to process up to 20% of PIP claims via a new online application system by 2026. However, it now suggests this target won’t be achieved until 2029.
The Committee declared: “This is far too long for claimants to have to wait for improvements, and the DWP must now say when more PIP claimants can expect a better service.”
The report called on the government to publish more comprehensive data regarding the time required to process new PIP claims, along with an update on its projected timeline for when more PIP claimants can anticipate receiving a quicker claim processing service through the Health Transformation Programme.
A DWP spokesperson stated: “We’re fixing the broken welfare system we inherited by giving claimants the support they need to move into good, secure jobs and out of poverty. We’ve redeployed around 1,000 work coaches to help sick or disabled people who have been left behind, alongside the most ambitious employment reforms for a generation.
“These reforms are being delivered as we replace outdated systems through our ambitious £647 million modernisation programme. We always aim to make Pip award decisions as quickly as possible, and the Timms Review is looking at Pip as a whole to make sure it is fit and fair for the future.”
