The Start of reassessment of Long Term/ Indefinite PIP awards- the government has announced-
'the DWP will start to invite all remaining claimants from 13 July. This means people who currently have a long-term or indefinite award of DLA. We will do this gradually over a period of around two years, starting with people living in postcode areas beginning: BB; BL; DE; LE; M; OL; PR; ST; WA and WN.
By late 2017 all existing DLA claimants (aged 16 to 64 on 8 April 2013) will have been invited to claim PIP.'
Heavy workloads- We anticipate this will produce a heavy workload for support/ advice agencies when clients need help to complete forms and as the government suggests- '40% of individuals in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) undergoing a reassessment to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will appeal their decision, including individuals that are appealing against disallowance of benefit or the level of an award they have received.'
PIP assessment times coming down say DWP- 'The average new claimant now only waits seven weeks for an assessment.'
Latest PIP claim stats.- here- On the 31st January 2015, 343,000 people had a PIP claim in payment, 32% received Daily Living Award only, 9% received Mobility Award only, and 59% received both Daily Living and Mobility Award. • Overall, 63% received an award at the enhanced rate, and 37% at the standard rate.
Between 8th April 2013 and 31st January 2015:
• 692,400 PIP new claims had been registered, of which 28,900 were claims made under Special Rules for Terminally Ill people.
• 102,400 DLA reassessments had been registered for PIP
And....... interestingly- for reassessment decisions, 79% resulted in a PIP award. 21% were turned down.
Click here for our updated Personal Independence Payments Course. The course aims to help build your expertise in viewing which of your clients will potentially win/ lose and by showing how to fill the form in well, collect supporting evidence and challenge negative decisions.