Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people aged over 16 and under State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or mental health condition who need help completing daily tasks inside their home or getting around.
The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now more than three million people in the UK, including some 322,387 living in Scotland, receiving financial support of between £24.45 and £156.90 each week through PIP - the benefit is paid every four weeks so this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every payment period.
PIP awards are not indefinite, they can last between a few months to the maximum of 10 years - known as a ‘light touch’ review - and are in palace to ensure individuals receive the right award reflecting any changes in their condition. A light touch award is usually given to people who have a condition which is unlikely to change in the future.
The DWP recently announced that it is reviewing the design of the light touch review process following insight provided by stakeholders, including the charity, Parkinson’s UK.
DWP Minister, Claire Coutinho MP, shared this week that the DWP’s aim is to have the “minimum necessary contact with the claimant to check whether anything has changed” and ensure up to date information is held on file for them.
Ms Coutinho explained: “The principle of a 10 year light touch review for ongoing awards was introduced in 2013.
“The first claims of 10 year duration are now coming to an end and due for review.
“We are currently reviewing the design of the light touch review process following helpful insight provided to us by stakeholders, including by Parkinson’s UK and other organisations representing people with long-term conditions.
“Our aim is to have the minimum necessary contact with the claimant to check whether anything has changed, adjust the award if needed, and ensure we hold up to date information.”
Last month, the DWP confirmed that it will automatically extend existing PIP awards awaiting review from the current three months by up to 12 months. It also said it will do this 35 days before the award is due to end and notify claimants by text message.
A DWP spokesperson told the Daily Record: “The longer extension provides greater certainty for claimants and in particular, helps with continuing to access other support, for example a Blue Badge.
“At present, awards awaiting review have a three month extension, repeated as needed, 28 days before their end date and people can request a letter confirming this and stating their continuing entitlement.”
The DWP will also be sending out letters from October 31 to confirm the length of the extended award.
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