The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have shared important updates on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) waiting times for people due an award review. Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms MP said that claimants reporting a change in circumstances typically wait an average of 69 working days for their PIP to be reviewed, nearly 14 weeks.
He also explained that when the DWP initiates a review – usually if someone is coming to the end of their award – that requires an assessment by a health provider, the average waiting time is 290 working days, around 58 weeks. If the claimant does not need an assessment, it takes on average 252 working days for the review to be completed, some 50 weeks.
However, Sir Stephen stressed that while some claimants may need to wait for over a year to have their PIP award reviewed, nobody will see a break in payments.
The policy of continuing payments while someone waits for an award review was implemented last year when the number of people claiming PIP soared to record breaking levels, this enabled the DWP to focus on getting payments and support to new claimants without impacting on those already receiving the benefit.
There are currently over 3.6 million people claiming PIP across Great Britain including 126,295 Scots who will move to Adult Disability Payment by the end of 2025.
The DWP Minister gave the written response on November 14 after Labour MP Mary Glindon asked about PIP award review waiting times.
Sir Stephen said: “We make every effort to conduct award reviews as soon as possible. Most decisions are made without the need for an assessment by a Healthcare Professional.
“Where the claimant requests a review of their Personal Independence Payment award, the median wait is 69 working days as of September 2024.
“When the review is initiated by the department, the median wait for a decision that is referred to an assessment provider is 290 working days as of September 2024, and 252 days where it is not referred to an assessment provider.”
He added: “Whilst reviews are outstanding, all payments to existing claimants continue. Should a review identify eligibility for an increased award, backdated payments will be made where appropriate to ensure claimants are not adversely impacted by delays.”
You can report a change in your circumstances to the PIP inquiry line on 0800 121 4433, full details on GOV.UK here.