The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that it has begun trialling a new system for assessing claimants for the personal independence payment (PIP) after a whistleblower expressed concerns over the plans.
Under current rules, healthcare professionals such as nurses, paramedics and physiotherapists are tasked with carrying out functional assessments and awarding a claimant points based on the extent of their ability limitations. These are spread across two categories, daily living and mobility, with a maximum entitlement of £194.60 a week for high points in both.
