The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that it will be expanding its online service which will enable all people making a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to apply online. Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms, also said the online PIP service will allow claimants to track the progress of their application.
Sir Stephen’s comments came after LIb Dem MP Charlotte Cane asked if the DWP had made any assessment “of the adequacy”of the PIP application process. The Minister also highlighted that “over the longer-term, the Health Transformation Programme is modernising the entire PIP service to improve customer experience and efficiency, building trust in our services and decisions”.
In a written response to the Ely and East Cambridgeshire MP, Sir Stephen said: “Customers are currently able to register for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) by telephone or in writing. Those who are eligible are then required to complete a health information questionnaire which is used to support the health assessment, undertaken by our contracted Health Professionals.
“The health information form (PIP2) is generally completed and returned by post, but a proportion of customers are able to submit their information online.
“We understand that the PIP application process can be challenging for some, in part due to the quantity of information that customers need to provide, but the process has been developed and improved over a number of years to be as straightforward and inclusive as possible.”
He also highlighted help available for people finding it difficult to complete the PIP application form. Sir Stephene said: “For those who may find it difficult to complete the form we signpost to organisations that can help, and we can also provide more time for customers to complete and return their form if this is requested.
“DWP offers bespoke services for those who find it difficult to navigate the process, for example those who are vision or hearing impaired.”
To help people understand PIP better – from an overview of the benefit to completing the claim form and the assessment – the DWP has released a series of videos on YouTube
These include:
Sir Stephen continued: “Over the longer-term, the Health Transformation Programme is modernising the entire PIP service to improve customer experience and efficiency, building trust in our services and decisions.
“This year, we are expanding the availability of the digital health information gather, so that this option is available to everyone who calls to begin their claim. Once fully developed, the new service will include an option to apply and track the application wholly online.”
The DWP will launch a consultation on its plans to reform health and disability benefits alongside the new Green Paper this Spring.
PIP in Scotland
More than 3.6 million people are currently in receipt of PIP, including 80,000 Scots who will transfer to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) over the next few months.
ADP has now replaced all new claims for PIP in Scotland.
By the end of 2025, all Scots on disability benefits including Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance will have their award payments administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland, not the DWP.