The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed that at the end of May there were 392,000 outstanding award reviews for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in England and Wales. PIP claimants living in Scotland will not see their award reviewed by the DWP as their case will be transferred to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) before the end of 2025.
If any of the remaining 126,200 Scots on PIP report a change in circumstances or are coming to the end of their fixed award, their case will be moved to Social Security Scotland. DWP has already confirmed that it is prioritising processing first-time PIP applicants to get them the financial help they need as quickly as possible.
However, Liberal Democrat MP Manuela Perteghella has asked the DWP if it has made any assessment on the potential impact of the PIP review process on vulnerable and disabled claimants. It’s important to be aware that existing PIP claimants do not experience any break in payment while waiting for a review, awards are automatically extended until one can be conducted.
In a written response on Monday, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms, explained that regular reviews are a “key feature” of PIP and “ensure that payments accurately match the current needs of claimants”.
He added that PIP awards can be paid at one of eight rates and that the award determined is dependent on the claimant’s needs. A full list of these combinations is further down this article.
Sir Stephen continued: “Award durations are based on the likelihood of claimant’s needs changing. Award durations can vary from nine months to an on-going award. Guidance ensures that those claimants on the highest level of support whose needs will not improve receive an ongoing award of PIP with a light touch review at the 10-year point.
“We understand that assessments can be stressful for some claimants which is why reviews are carried out without the need for the claimant to attend an assessment where sufficient and robust evidence is provided.”
He also said that where an assessment is required, Assessment Providers will choose the most appropriate method such as a phone, video or in-person assessment.
PIP payment rates
Below are the weekly payment rates for the Daily Living and Mobility components of PIP.
Daily living component
- Standard rate: £72.65
- Enhanced rate: £108.55
Mobility component
- Standard rate: £28.70
- Enhanced rate: £75.75
Payment combinations
The DWP or Social Security Scotland award letter will set out which component (s) you have been awarded and how much you will be paid weekly and per pay period.
Single component award only
You may be awarded the lower or higher daily living or mobility component:
- Standard daily living only – £72.65 per week, £290.60 per pay period
- Enhanced daily living only – £108.55 per week, £434.20 per pay period
- Standard mobility only – £28.70 per week, £114.80 per pay period
- Enhanced mobility only – £75.75 per week, £303 per pay period
You might be awarded the lower rates of both components:
- Standard daily living and standard mobility – £101.35 per week, £405.40 per pay period.
You might be awarded the higher rates of both components:
- Enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility – £184.30 per week, £737.20 per pay period.
You might be awarded the lower rate of one component and the higher rate of the other:
- Standard daily living and enhanced mobility – £148.40 per week, £593.60 per pay period.
- Enhanced daily living and standard mobility – £137.25 per week, £549 per pay period.
The latest DWP stats show that just over one in three cases (36%) received the highest level of PIP award of £737.20, which is paid every four weeks.