The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a significant update regarding changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the support available to claimants who may be entitled to higher awards. This comes as senior officials acknowledge that many current recipients are potentially missing out on increased financial assistance due to changes in their health conditions.
DWP Acknowledges Widespread Underpayment Issue
In a recent session with the Work and Pensions Committee, permanent secretary Peter Schofield revealed that disability benefits, particularly PIP, represent the largest area where eligible individuals fail to receive their full entitlement. The benefit, designed to support people living with long-term health conditions or disabilities by helping cover additional costs, operates with several payment rates depending on the claimant's level of need.
"Sadly, many current claimants could get much more but miss out," Mr Schofield told MPs, highlighting a concerning gap between what people receive and what they might actually qualify for under the system's criteria.
Proactive Support for Claimants
The DWP is actively encouraging individuals to come forward if their health condition has deteriorated, as this could qualify them for increased PIP payments. "We encourage people to come forward and let us know about a worsening in their health condition," Mr Schofield stated, outlining the department's commitment to ensuring people receive appropriate support.
Remarkably, the department operates a visiting service where officials travel to claimants' homes to assist with applications for higher awards. Last year alone, this service helped approximately 28,000 people through home visits conducted by dedicated visiting officers.
Targeted Assistance for Severe Conditions
This personalised support particularly targets individuals with severe health conditions who might struggle with the application process. "These are people who have a severe condition. That is the best way to help them and we send visiting officers out to help people fill in their PIP claims," explained Mr Schofield.
He shared a specific example of a bedridden woman in south London requiring constant care, where DWP officers visited her home to facilitate her PIP claim. The service extends to both new applicants and existing claimants experiencing health deterioration.
Enhanced Communication and Case Management
Beyond home visits, the DWP has implemented a comprehensive 'case management' system where officials proactively contact claimants. This approach helps individuals understand the assessment process and the reasoning behind their awarded amounts.
"When the decision is made, they help them to understand why the decision was made," Mr Schofield explained. "Because people often get this letter through the post and they do not understand why they have had this decision. It can be talked through and they can then feel they can trust the decision that has been made."
Current PIP Payment Rates
The weekly payment structure for Personal Independence Payment consists of two components:
- Daily Living Part: Lower rate - £73.90, Higher rate - £110.40
- Mobility Part: Lower rate - £29.20, Higher rate - £77.05
Claimants receiving the higher rate for both elements would receive £187.45 weekly. Since PIP is typically paid every four weeks, this amounts to £749.80 per payment period at the maximum rate.
The DWP's renewed focus on ensuring proper PIP awards reflects ongoing efforts to support vulnerable individuals through what can be a complex benefits system. Officials emphasize that claimants should not hesitate to contact the department if their circumstances change, as substantial additional support may be available through properly assessed claims.
