A new development in the way Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be claimed has been revealed. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) shared details of the new 'online apply service' which is currently being operated on a "small-scale test" basis.
According to reports, the service is currently only being offered to 60 new claimants each day. Those claimants are people who call the PIP phone line to start their application.
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. This figure does not include the 23,660 Scots now in receipt of Adult Disability Payment, a system that replaced new claims for PIP north of the border.
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The information was shared by Tom Pursglove MP, the DWP minister for disabled people, reported Daily Record. In a written response to Labour MP, Seema Malhotra, he also shared details of the people most-likely to be invited to complete their application using the online service as the trial grows.
Mr Pursglove said: "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."
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. The department said reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a "priority", adding "we are working constantly to make improvements to our service".
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. Payments are set to rise from April 10 which means claimants will receive between £107.60 and £691 every pay period.
What you need to know about PIP
PIP 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
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