The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has shared who is eligible for a new benefit application service.
The process is being run on a "small-scale" at present, and offers some people an "online apply service" for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the Daily Record reports.
Sixty new claimants each day who call the PIP phone line to start their application can access the service.
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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 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.”
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.
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 a 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.
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.
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