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DELAYED PAIN
Huge change to PIP that could make payments quicker for thousands is DELAYED
This delay comes amidst a backdrop of significant strain on the PIP system
THE Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has delayed a major change that would make it quicker for people to apply for PIP.
The planned rollout of a national online application system for personal independence payments (PIP) has been delayed, The Sun can reveal.
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The DWP had aimed to have the online system available to all applicants across the UK by then end of this year.
However, The Sun now understands its full roll-out has been delayed for up to "several years".
This digital application process was intended to coexist with the current phone and postal methods.
PIP is a disability benefit that is given to those with long-term mental or physical health problems or disabilities.
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Currently, the online application system is only accessible to a very limited number of applicants - around 60 per day - in select, undisclosed locations across the country.
This delay comes amidst a backdrop of significant strain on the PIP system.
New claims take an average of 20 weeks (five months) to process, while reviews of existing claims can take considerably longer.
As of September 2024, the median wait time for a DWP-initiated review was 290 days when referred to an assessment provider and 252 days when not.
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There's a backlog of hundreds of thousands of PIP reviews, contributing to an estimated £300 million in delayed payments.
It's still hoped that when online applications open for all the application journey could reduce decision-making time and shorten the amount of time it takes for claimants to hear back.
The DWP has been contacted for comment.
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What is PIP and who is eligible?
HOUSEHOLDS suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition can get extra help through personal independence payments (PIP).
The maximum you can receive from the Government benefit is £184.30 a week.
PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66.
Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around - or both - for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).
You can also claim PIP if you're in or out of work and if you're already getting limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments if you claim Universal Credit.
PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £28.70 or £75.75.
On the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £72.65 or £105.55 - and you could get both elements, so up to £184.30 in total.
You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment.
PIP APPLICATION PROCESS
Most people who apply for PIP have to do so over the phone or via post.
You'll need to check your eligibility by visiting gov.uk/pip/eligibility before you make a claim.
To start a claim by phone you'll need to call the 'PIP new claims' line on 0800 917 2222.
You'll then be sent a form that asks about your condition and you'll need to fill this in and return it to the DWP.
You might need to have an assessment, if more information is needed.
Before you apply you'll need the following information at hand:
- Your contact details, for example telephone number
- Your date of birth
- Your National Insurance number, if you have one (you can find this on letters about tax, pensions and benefits)
- Your bank or building society account number and sort code
- Your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
- Dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent in a care home or hospital
- Dates for any time you spent abroad for more than four weeks at a time, and the countries you visited
Households can also make a claim by post by sending a letter to Freepost DWP PIP 1.
You'll then be sent a form asking for your personal information, such as your address and your age.
If you apply by phone or post, you'll usually get a form called 'How your disability affects you' within 2 weeks.
Fill in the form using the guidance that comes with it, and return it to the address on the form.
Include supporting documents if you have them - for example, prescription lists, care plans, or information from your doctor or others involved in your care.
You then have one month to return it.
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For a small minority who want to check if they're eligible to apply online, you can do so by visiting apply-for-pip.dwp.gov.uk/eligibility/check-if-eligible.
However, there's no guarantee that your postcode will make you eligible.
Can PIP unlock freebies?
CLAIMING PIP makes you eligible for a number of additional extras that you might not be aware of - but could save you some cash.
For example, if you're on either the daily living or mobility part of PIP you might be able to get money off your council tax bill.
But the amount you can get off varies depending on how much PIP you actually receive and where you live.
You have to contact your local authority to find out what discount you're entitled to, and it might ask for a PIP letter as proof.
You can use your PIP award letter to apply for a blue badge, although some councils can charge up to £10 for it.
Blue badge parking spaces tend to be closer to the front of shop entrances, making your experience easier.
You could also be entitled to a complete vehicle tax exemption if you're on PIP, depending on your circumstances.
If you're on PIP and depending on whether you have a qualifying disability, you might be able to get your NHS prescriptions free too.
We've previously listed all the PIP freebies and discounts you could get.
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