The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that certain Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants could have their awards reviewed every four or six years under updated guidance
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that certain Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants could face reviews just once every four or six years under revised award guidelines.
The update was brought to light by welfare rights website Rightsnet, which reports that the DWP stated new standard review periods will be “operationalised” as four and six-year awards in practice. The DWP also confirmed that longer review intervals are designed to serve as minimum periods rather than fixed benchmarks, meaning awards can still be adapted to suit individual circumstances.
Crucially for many long-term claimants, the Department also confirmed that 10-year ‘light touch’ awards will remain in place for those with the most severe or stable conditions, reports the Daily Record.
Ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review
A ‘light touch’ review is typically awarded to claimants who have:
- very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time
- high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse
- a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age
- a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age
PIP is a disability benefit paid to more than 3.9 million people in England and Wales who require assistance with daily living tasks or mobility needs due to a long-term health condition or disability.
Current DWP guidance already stipulates that ‘light touch’ reviews are intended for claimants with severe conditions or those whose needs are unlikely to alter. The revised guidance will provide reassurance for numerous disabled people who are concerned about regular reassessments and repetitive form completion.
Within the existing framework, PIP awards can differ considerably in duration based on a claimant’s condition and whether their situation is anticipated to alter over time.
According to PIP guidance on GOV.UK, awards are routinely reviewed to ensure claimants continue getting the appropriate level of support. Nevertheless, campaigners and welfare advisers have consistently maintained that people with lifelong or degenerative conditions shouldn’t face needless reassessments.
Rightsnet reports that the DWP’s clarification confirms extended review periods will remain part of the department’s strategy for people with more stable conditions. The UK Government had previously set out proposals for extended PIP award review periods as part of broader disability benefit reforms, but the recent guidance offers more detail on how the modifications are anticipated to operate in practice.
The development arrives as the UK Government pursues wider reforms to disability benefits and assessments. People currently claiming PIP don’t need to contact the DWP unless instructed to do so or their circumstances alter.
