The DWP has begun deciding which existing PIP claimants will be moved to having only have a ‘light touch’ review every 10 years, instead of a more frequent full review.
Back in June we highlighted a statement by Sarah Newton Minister of State for Disabled People in which she announced the end of ‘unnecessary’ PIP reviews, saying:
“We’ve listened to feedback from organisations and the public, and this common-sense change will ensure that the right protections are in place while minimising any unnecessary stress or bureaucracy.”
In a written statement released just before the Christmas break, Newton explained that new guidance had been issued to decision makers in August 2018 “to ensure those who are awarded the highest level of support whose needs are unlikely to improve or will deteriorate receive an ongoing award with a light touch review at the 10 year point.”
Newton added that work had now begun to identify existing claimants who should be covered by the ‘on-going award’ procedure:
“This is still in the early stages and being dealt with in date order, prioritising claimants whose awards are coming up for an award review, but commencing this activity is a really important step to reducing the number of individuals having to undergo an unnecessary award review where their needs are only likely to deteriorate.”
The light touch reviews will be aimed primarily at claimants who have been awarded the enhanced rates of both components of PIP and whose condition is unlikely to improve.
According to the guidance issued to decision makers:
On-going awards for claimants can be reached in one of two ways:
following advice from the AP that no review is required and the claimant’s restrictions on Daily Living/ and or Mobility are stable and unlikely to change significantly or they have very high levels of needs which will only deteriorate.
and where the claimant is awarded enhanced/enhanced and their needs are not going to improve or would only deteriorate.
Note: You may also consider an enhanced daily living award alone where the claimant is State Pension Age or over and has either not been awarded the mobility component or has been awarded the mobility component at the standard rate and their mobility needs are not going to improve.
You can download a copy of the guidance on award periods from this link.
