Millions of people in the UK on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) could be owed up to £12,865 each thanks to rule changes at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP update affects those who are deaf or hearing impaired.
There are currently an estimated 11 million people in the UK who are deaf or hearing impaired, according to hearinglink.org.
READ MORE: John Travolta stuns customers as he's spotted in Morrisons and Wetherspoons
Following the tribunal ruling, from August 21, 2020, there has been a change in how the DWP considers whether someone can wash or bathe safely, as part of the PIP assessment.
If a deaf or hearing impaired 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, or supervision if a visual alarm would not be appropriate, in order to wash or bathe safely.
New guidance on GOV.UK confirms that the DWP will be reviewing claims made on or after August 21, 2020 including those where PIP was not awarded, reports the Daily Record.
Which claims are being reviewed?
The DWP said: “We are now looking at PIP claims from deaf or hearing impaired people who may be affected by this change. This includes reviewing some claims we decided on or after 21 August 2020, including ones where we did not award PIP.
“We are not planning to ask you to provide any further evidence or invite you for an assessment as part of this review. We will be looking at information we already have about your hearing impairment from your PIP claim.”
The DWP will not look again at your claim if:
- You were awarded the enhanced rate of the daily living part of PIP continuously since August 21, 2020
- A Tribunal has made a decision on your claim since August 21, 2020
- It decided not to award you PIP before August 21, 2020
What happens next?
The DWP explained: “If we review your claim, we will write to you and you do not need to contact us. It may take some time for you to get this letter.
“If we decide that you should get more PIP, then your award will usually be backdated to 21 August 2020. If you claimed PIP after 21 August 2020, it will usually be backdated to the date you started getting PIP.”
The DWP also said that you should consider applying for Ply for PIP again if you think you may now be eligible.
The change to PIP law will apply to all new claims and has been applied to all PIP decisions since May 17, 2021.
How much could you receive in backdated payments?
PIP award turned down
Someone who is deaf or has a hearing impairment, who applied for PIP and received no award for either the Daily Living or Mobility component, on or after August 21, 2020, could receive a maximum backdated payout of up to £12,865.
This figure is based on someone who went from receiving no award on August 21, 2020, to receiving the enhanced award for both components on April 5, 2022 and was worked out using the Benefits and Work PIP Payment Calculator.
Daily Living component only
Using the calculator and applying the same date range (August 21, 2021 - April 5, 2022), but for the Daily Living component only:
- From no Daily Living award to standard award rate - backdated payments of up to £5,073
- From no Daily Living award to enhanced award rate - backdated payments of up to £7,575
- From standard Daily Living award to enhanced award rate - backdated payments of up to £2,502
To make a new claim for PIP, find out more on the GOV.UK website here.
