The Government has set out plans for changes
An official report has cautioned that plans for an online self-service benefits system could result in a significant rise in successful claims. Ministers have outlined proposals designed to encourage more people to apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) online, rather than via telephone or written application.
The findings of a trial for the digital self-serve system, first revealed by the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, showed that the number of people registering for PIP rose by 22 per cent during the first year. A seven per cent increase in successful applications awarded PIP was also recorded over the first 19 weeks of the trial, according to data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
A DWP evaluation suggested that applicants found it simpler to apply online, as making a phone call required them to “be in the right headspace or having to work up the confidence to begin the application”, while written applications were considered “daunting”.
The online application, by contrast, resulted in “lower levels of stress and anxiety around completing their application” and offered greater flexibility and convenience, the evaluation noted.
However, as ministers press ahead with efforts to rein in the mounting benefits bill, the evaluation concluded there was now “robust evidence that Digital Self-Serve would lead to a substantial increase in the number of PIP applications”.
PIP remains one of the principal benefits available to disabled people across the UK. Designed to assist those with long-term health conditions or disabilities with their living expenses, the Government was forced to scale back plans last year that would have overhauled PIP assessment criteria, following the threat of a revolt by Labour backbenchers who felt it could have unfairly pushed some disabled people into employment.
Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately insisted all PIP assessments “should be face-to-face”.
The senior Conservative added: “The last thing we need is DWP encouraging online assessments – opening up a benefits Pandora’s box with ever easier access.
“Sickness benefits are intended to help people with serious disabilities and claiming them should not be a tick-box exercise to get extra welfare instead of working.
“The Government has no grip over the welfare system. Keir Starmer has caved to his left-wing backbenchers, abandoning reforms and lifting the two-child cap.
“Only the Conservatives have a plan to get welfare under control and save £23 billion.”
