Following a review by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), thousands of people who claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or who were denied the benefit entirely could be entitled to backpay. The DWP is looking into past claims made by deaf or hearing impaired people following a decision by the Upper Tribunal, according to The Mirror.
As part of the PIP assessment, it relates to whether people who are deaf or hearing impaired are considered to be able to wash or bathe safely. If a claimant is not able to hear a standard fire alarm while washing or bathing, although the risk from a fire is low, the DWP will now consider whether a visual alarm – such as an aid or appliance – is needed.
They will also examine whether supervision would be a requirement if a visual alarm would be inappropriate. New guidance on the Gov.uk website confirms the DWP will be reviewing claims made on or after August 21 2020. This includes those where PIP was not awarded at all, according to the Daily Record.
