The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of January 2023, the number of people claiming Personal Independence Payment (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 last week, DWP Minister Tom Pursglove MP, 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).
He told MPs: “The PIP journey is now down to 14 weeks, but there is more to do in that regard. I am not complacent about it, and I want to drive forward work on digitalisation.”
Last month, DWP also 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.
DWP shared its plans after Labour MP Karin Smyth asked what steps are being taken to reduce the “backlog of people waiting on a PIP claim to be assessed.
In a written response, Mr Pursglove said: “We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner.
“Reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the department, and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service. We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all the available evidence, including that from the claimant.”
He added: “We are continuing to see an improvement in PIP clearance times, with the latest statistics showing that the average end-to-end journey has reduced each quarter from 26 weeks in August 2021, to 16 weeks at the end of October 2022.”
He went on to explain the measure in place to help reduce processing times.
These include:
- Using a blend of phone, video and face-to-face assessments to support customers and deliver a more efficient and user-centred service
- Increasing case manager and assessment provider health professional resources
- Prioritising new claims, while safeguarding claimants awaiting award reviews, who have returned their information as required, to ensure their payments continue until their review can be completed
To keep up to date with the latest PIP or Adult Disability Payment news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out daily, Monday to Friday - sign up here.
READ NEXT:
New DWP changes announced in Budget could see support for 650,000 people on benefits cut back
PIP claimants most-likely to receive an ongoing award with a 'light touch' review
DWP providing over 36,200 people with diabetes up to £156 each week in financial help
People claiming PIP will never need to report any of these six changes to DWP
