The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a vital update for anyone making a new claim for Personal Independence Payments (PIP). PIP is a benefit for people with long-term health conditions who find it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. The DWP has now confirmed that the average processing time for new PIP claims is 20 weeks.
Government Efforts to Reduce Waiting Times
In a written response to Labour MP Damien Egan, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms stated that the department is “working closely with our assessment suppliers to increase assessment capacity and reduce waiting times.” He explained that this includes “recruitment and training of additional health professionals and a series of process improvements to streamline the assessment journey.” This means someone making a new PIP claim this month could expect an award decision by the end of October.
Understanding PIP Components
PIP consists of two parts: a daily living part for help with everyday tasks and a mobility part for help with getting around. Whether you receive one or both parts, and the amount, depends on how your condition affects you.
Daily Living Part
You might qualify for the daily living part if you need help with:
- preparing food
- eating and drinking
- managing your medicines or treatments
- washing and bathing
- using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- reading
- managing your money
- socialising and being around other people
- talking, listening and understanding
Mobility Part
You might qualify for the mobility part if you need help with:
- working out a route and following it
- physically moving around
- leaving your home
You do not need a physical disability to get the mobility part. You may also be eligible if you have difficulty getting around due to a cognitive or mental health condition, such as anxiety.
Common Conditions for PIP
PIP supports over 530 health conditions, but awards are based on how a condition affects daily living and mobility. The five most commonly recorded conditions for PIP are:
- Psychiatric disorder (39% of claims)
- Musculoskeletal disease (general) (19% of claims)
- Neurological disease (13% of claims)
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional) (12% of claims)
- Respiratory disease (4% of claims)
Each claim is unique, and eligibility is determined by the impact on an individual's ability to perform tasks safely and timely.
