The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has shared details of the new ‘online apply service’ for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The service is currently only being offered to 60 new claimants each day who call the PIP phone line to start their application.
The information was shared by DWP Minister for Disabled People, Tom Pursglove MP, in a written response to Labour MP, Seema Malhotra. He also shared details of people most-likely to be invited to complete their application using the online service as the trial grows.
Mr Pursglove explained: “We are currently operating a small-scale test of the new online apply service for PIP as a limited service, initially offering it to a small number of claimants who call the phone line to begin their claim for PIP. Currently, we are offering the service to 60 claimants a day. Call agents offer the voluntary option to claim online to claimants within scope of the current service until the daily limit is met.”
The following groups will be incrementally included as we grow the scope of the service:
- anyone applying in an official capacity, such as appointees
- anyone with a Welsh or Northern Ireland postcode
- anyone applying for special rules
- anyone with a previous or existing PIP or DLA claim
- those without a National Insurance number or with a GY or JY postcode
Mr Pursglove said: “This approach allows us to build, develop and design the service, exploring and making improvements as we gradually increase its availability.”
The latest figures from the DWP show that at the end of January 2023, the number of people claiming PIP had risen to more than 3.25 million, including 319,336 living in Scotland. However, that figure does not include the 23,660 Scots now in receipt of Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
ADP replaced new claims for PIP in Scotland last August and all existing cases are set to transfer from DWP to the devolved Social Security Scotland IT system by the end of 2025. Of the 23,600 people now on ADP, 11,650 people were new applicants and 12,010 were existing PIP transfers.
Processing times for ADP is now at an average of 79 working days, some 16 weeks, but during a debate in Parliament earlier this month, Mr Pursglove announced that the PIP processing time has come down from 16 weeks to 14 weeks, on average. PIP processing times have been as high as 26 weeks (August 2021).
DWP also recently shared how it is tackling the backlog of new claims for PIP and taking steps to reduce the waiting time for claimants.
DWP said 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 14-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 usually backdated.
New claims for ADP are backdated to the point of application.
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.
However, payments are set to rise from April 10 which means claimants will receive between £107.60 and £691 every pay period.
PIP and Adult Disability Payment rates 2023/24
Daily Living Component
- Enhanced: £101.75 (from £92.40)
- Standard: £68.10 (from £61.85)
Mobility Component
- Enhanced: £71.00 (from £64.50)
- Standard: £26.90 (from £24.45)
How do you make a claim for PIP?
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
How to apply for Adult Disability Payment
People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
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