The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will update its rules on how claimants with mental health conditions will be assessed for benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP). PIP is a welfare benefit that is intended to help adults of working age with the extra costs of living with a long-term physical or mental health condition or a disability.
As reported by the Liverpool ECHO, the benefit is claimed by around 2.8 million people in the UK. Included in the new guidance relating to PIP published by the UK Government are details on the capability of assessment providers to audio record face-to-face and phone consultations.
Additionally, changes have been made in regards to covert recordings made by claimants in assessment sessions. However, according to claimant help organisation Benefits and Work, the new guidelines also include improved advice for assessment professionals regarding the significant of whether a claimant with a mental health condition is taking medication.
