PIP: Current decision times for new applications

Hello - first, a huge thank you to the people who contribute to this incredibly valuable resource. I couldn't have completed my application without it.

I think I heard that decisions normally take a minimum of 14 weeks for new applications includign assessment from date of application submission. Is this still the case or have these times gone down at all (or increased?).

Also I am wondering if anyone has noticed if more applications are being assessed on paper (ie no phone or in person assessment required), in cases where they believe the medical evidence is sufficient?

I realise that 14 weeks of waiting for new applicants is short compared to the wait that so many have for application review. I hope that the whole system is resourced better to reduce these waiting times, it is very stressful!

Hi reading other forums like Reddit DWP help and other peoples posts on here . It seems to vary on your region a lot, some seem to get it done super quick in a couple of months start to finish. Others it takes way longer. I applied via phone at the end of February this year. They did my PIP1 over the phone. As I have sight problems they needed to send a large print PIP2 form and this took 20 weeks to arrive. I sent it back as quick as I could before the end of July but no appointment or decision yet. So for me it’s been really slow. Coming up to 28 weeks since I applied and 8 weeks since my form went in with still no appointment for assessment or decision on papers. I sent a lot of evidence so was hoping for a paper assessment but they seem to be only about 10% or so. I am in the Southeast on the south coast in East Sussex. My centre which would process the form has changed over in the early September changes to companies doing the work. So it’s possible this is a further delay. Although I expect they just rehired the staff from the old companies to carry on as before. Hope you have a more positive experience. Mine has been shoddy so far.