PIP claims have reached the highest level on record according to newly released data from the DWP. These statistics concern PIP claims up until 2021 and while the DWP detailed some ongoing disruption was caused by coronavirus to the application process, but progress has been seen in the first quarter of 2021.
“We need a welfare system and assessment process that gets it right first time.
“The Government must use the upcoming green paper to overhaul the system, and iron out routine inaccuracies and mistrust.”
Specifically, Scope urged the following changes to be introduced and/or prioritised:
- Assessments accurately capture disabled people’s needs
- Claimant choice over assessment format (video, telephone, etc)
- Fully accessible system from start to finish
- Ensuring assessors have appropriate knowledge of the claimant’s condition or impairment
- Greater information-sharing between different benefit processes, with the claimant’s permission
- Greater transparency and accountability of assessment providers
As it stands, PIP can be received by those aged between 16 and state pension…
