A warning has been issued to thousands of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants who are waiting for a decision. Over 3.6 million people rely on PIP to help with the additional costs associated with disabilities and long-term health conditions, with thousands more applying for the support each month.
Department for Work and Pensions data reveals that over 950,000 people have lodged claims for PIP in the year leading up to October 2024, averaging 79,000 applications per month. Additionally, 1,500 people per month apply for PIP upon receiving a terminal illness diagnosis, with these claims being expedited under ‘special rules for end of life.
‘ The number of individuals claiming this disability benefit has surged since the pandemic, with an extra 200,000 people having their claims approved in the year up to October. Of the 3.66 million claimants, the majority (1.4 million) receive the benefit for mental health issues, predominantly anxiety and depression.
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However, there can be significant delays in decision-making, and the DWP has now provided further information on this matter.
MP Helen Morgan of the Liberal Democrats inquired about the longest waiting period for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In response, Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, provided data for the past five years, reports Birmingham Live.
The figures show that in 2020, the longest wait was 45 weeks, increasing to 47 weeks in 2021 and 53 weeks in 2022. However, the wait time decreased to 44 weeks in 2023 and has remained the same for 2024.
Additionally, monthly statistics indicate that some individuals waited up to 56 weeks for a decision in 2022. On average, it takes 14 weeks to receive a decision, including 10 weeks for a health assessment referral.
Sir Stephen stated: “We are committed to ensuring that people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner and reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the department. We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all available evidence.”
The Conservative Government is set to announce significant changes to health and disability benefits, including PIP, later this year. In response, Labour plans to unveil its own reform proposals, following the Government’s suggestions to reduce costs by potentially replacing cash payments with vouchers, grants, or shopping catalogues.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall commented: “I will be putting forward our own proposals to reform sickness and disability benefits. This is extremely difficult and I know people really want more detail, but we won’t do that until we’re absolutely ready and have had the proper discussions with people.”
On being questioned about the possibility of scrapping the contentious proposal of replacing PIP payments, which can reach up to £737 a month, with vouchers, Ms Kendall responded: “I was very struck particularly by the comments people made around shifting support to vouchers and where many organisations said their real concern was that it took away people’s autonomy and particularly when services are so stretched and tight.”
It is anticipated that DWP spending on PIP will soar by 63 per cent over the next five years, rising from £21.6 billion in 2023/2024 to an immense £35.3 billion in 2028/2029. Monthly, there are 33,000 additional individuals commencing their benefit, representing double the rate seen before the pandemic.
From April 2025, PIP payment rates are set to witness an uplift of 1.7 per cent in accordance with the September inflation figure. The standard rate for the daily living component is expected to rise from £72.65 to £73.90, with the enhanced rate increasing from £108.55 to £110.40.
Meanwhile, the mobility component will experience an uptick from £28.70 to £29.20 at the standard rate and from £75.75 to £77.05 at the enhanced rate.