An online petition is calling on the UK Government to remove the ‘degrading’ assessment process for people claiming disability benefits including Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Instead, it is urging the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to consider basing award decisions on evidence solely from medical professionals.
Once someone has applied for PIP and the DWP decision maker has reviewed the submitted evidence form - completed by the applicant - and reviewed any accompanying evidence, they will then make a recommendation for a consultation. This could be in-person, over the phone or by video call.
In Scotland, new claims for PIP have been replaced by Adult Disability Payment which is taking a ‘people-centric’ approach to disability benefit application and will only involve an assessment if it would be beneficial to the claimant in order for the assessor to get a better understanding of how their condition affects them. These consultations will be conducted by Social Security Scotland staff and not a third-party.
