The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently conducting a review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims made by deaf or hearing impaired people who may be affected by an Upper Tribunal decision relating to washing or bathing safely.
Following the tribunal ruling, from August 21, 2020, there has been a change in how the DWP considers whether someone can wash or bathe safely, as part of the PIP assessment.
If a deaf or hearing impaired claimant is not able to hear a standard fire alarm while washing or bathing, although the risk from a fire is low, the DWP will now consider whether a visual alarm - such as an aid or appliance - is needed, or supervision if a visual alarm would not be appropriate, in order to wash or bathe safely.
