The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of October 2022, claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) were taking 16 weeks to process from point of registration to the decision being made. The statistics also indicate that it is taking 11 weeks from the time of the assessment provider’s referral to the decision being made.
While waiting four months for a new claim to be processed may seem like a long time, it has actually come down from 24 weeks for the end-to-end journey recorded in October 2021. Similarly, the 11-week wait from assessment to decision is a reduction of five weeks from the 16 weeks recorded in 2021.
In November 2022, 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 to the point of application.
A successful claim for PIP is 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 former SNP MP, Margaret Ferrier, asked what steps are being taken to reduce PIP delays and waiting times.
In a written response in November, 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, taking into account the need to review all available evidence.
“Reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service."
He went on to explain the measures 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
The latest statistics from the DWP show that by the end of October, there were more than three million people across the country claiming PIP. The regional breakdown includes nearly 330,000 claimants living in Scotland, 2.6 million in England and 226,000 in Wales.
PIP is gradually being replaced in Scotland by the devolved benefit, Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which rolled out nationwide to new claimants at the end of August after a phased rollout which began in March. At the end of October 2022, some 3,470 people were in receipt of ADP - 3,135 were new applicants and 335 were people who had their PIP award transferred from DWP.
How do you make a claim for PIP or ADP?
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
your contact details
your date of birth
your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
your bank or building society account number and sort code
your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
To make a claim for Adult Disability Payment , visit the MyGov.Scot website here.
Once you have contacted the DWP, they will send you a document to complete which consists of 14 questions. This includes space for any additional information you feel is relevant to your claim.
The questions focus on how your condition affects you, so put as much detail in as you can to help the assessor understand your physical or mental health needs. If you have difficulty filling in your form or understanding the questions, contact your local council and ask for help or Citizens Advice Scotland.
For more information about PIP, visit GOV.UK here.
To keep up to date with the latest PIP news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out four times each week - sign up here.
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