The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has shared how it is tackling the backlog of new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and taking steps to reduce the waiting time for claimants. The average processing time for a new claim is now 16 weeks, a significant reduction from 26 weeks in August 2021.
DWP said that reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a “priority for the department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service”. While an 16-week wait may provide little comfort for anyone considering making a new claim for the benefit - or those already midway through the journey - it’s worth keeping in mind that successful claims are backdated.
A successful claim for PIP is currently worth between £24.45 and £156.90 each week. As the benefit is paid every four weeks, this means people with a long-term illness, disability, mental or physical health condition could receive regular payments of between £97.80 and £627.60.
DWP shared its plans after Labour MP Karin Smyth asked what steps are being taken to reduce the “backlog of people waiting on a PIP claim to be assessed.
In a written response this week, Minister or Disabled People, Tom Pursglove, said: “We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner.
“Reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the department, and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service. We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all the available evidence, including that from the claimant.”
He added: “We are continuing to see an improvement in PIP clearance times, with the latest statistics showing that the average end-to-end journey has reduced each quarter from 26 weeks in August 2021, to 16 weeks at the end of October 2022.”
He went on to explain the measure in place to help reduce processing times.
These include:
- Using a blend of phone, video and face-to-face assessments to support customers and deliver a more efficient and user-centred service
- Increasing case manager and assessment provider health professional resources
- Prioritising new claims, while safeguarding claimants awaiting award reviews, who have returned their information as required, to ensure their payments continue until their review can be completed
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