The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified the details for people awaiting an award review. Earlier this month, it was announced that it would automatically extend existing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards awaiting review from the current three months by up to 12 months. DWP also said it will do this 35 days before the award end date by text message.
PIP is a payment from the Government. It is designed to help those with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, and who have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks, with extra living costs.
The extension is designed to provide greater certainty for claimants and in particular help with continuing to access other support, such as the Blue Badge scheme, according to the DWP. From October 31, a letter will be sent automatically to people on PIP confirming continuing entitlement for up to 12 months, but until then, DWP will update claimants by text message that their award reviews have been extended and will remain in payment.
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Nottinghamshire Live's sister publication, Daily Record, reported that the government department has said anyone needing written confirmation before October 31 can contact the helpline on 0800 121 4433 and a notification of entitlement will be posted out. This means claimants do not need to contact DWP unless their circumstances change.
However, just because a PIP claim has been extended by up to 12 months does not mean it cannot be conducted before the new review date. DWP explained: “In line with our usual process, we may review claims before their new end date and if so, will write to claimants to inform them.
“PIP payments will be received as normal until we complete the review of a claim. If we have not completed the review by the extended award date, we may extend the end date of the PIP award again and will write to claimants to tell them about this.”
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