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.
