The DWP is to change its light touch review process for PIP claims for this month to make the process easier.
People with a 10-year claim will now only have to fill in a six-page review form rather than the previous 16-page document.
Most people in this situation will also not need to have an assessment with a healthcare professional when renewing their claim.
Claimants above state pension age will also only have to fill in the shorter form from now on.
The reforms will make it easier for claimants to get their claim reviewed if they have stable needs that are unlikely to change over time or high levels of need which will stay the same or only get worse.
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The six-page review form covers:
- Identity and contact details
- Immigration status
- Your main healthcare professional
- Details of any changes to health conditions or disabilities
- Details of any changes to daily living needs
- Details of any changes to mobility needs
- The claimant’s consent to allow the DWP to collect further information.
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If a person’s circumstances have not changed, they will not be required to undergo an assessment.
All other claimants will get their award review under the normal rules, and will have to fill out the usual 19-page form.
An individual will continue to receive PIP while their claim is being reviewed. Claimants will be sent the form along with a covering letter when it is time for their review, and they usually have to return the form within a month.
A PIP claimant can get up to £172.75 a week, or £691 a month. The benefit is being replaced in Scotland with the Adult Disability Payment, which is paid at the same rates.
These are the current weekly payment rates, which vary depending on how much support a person needs:
Daily living
- Lower rate: £68.10
- Higher rate: £101.75
Mobility
- Lower rate: £26.90
- Higher rate: £71.
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