Thousands of disabled benefit claimants across the UK are in line for substantial back payments following a major Department for Work and Pensions review that uncovered systematic assessment errors.
Major System Failure Uncovered
The DWP has identified significant flaws in how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments were conducted for claims made between 2016 and 2017. The errors primarily affect claimants who were initially awarded PIP but later refused at renewal despite their conditions remaining unchanged or worsening.
Who Could Be Owed Money?
The review specifically targets claimants who:
- Received PIP between 2016-2017
- Were refused at renewal despite unchanged conditions
- Had their awards reduced without proper justification
- Did not receive the correct mobility or daily living components
Substantial Payments Expected
While individual payments vary, the DWP confirms the average back payment amounts to approximately £5,000. Some claimants could receive significantly more depending on their specific circumstances and the duration of the underpayment.
No Action Required From Claimants
The DWP has assured affected claimants that they do not need to contact them directly. The department is proactively reviewing cases and will automatically issue payments to those identified as underpaid. Payments will include any arrears owed plus interest.
Ongoing Review Process
This latest review is part of the DWP's ongoing commitment to ensuring benefit accuracy. A spokesperson stated: "We are committed to ensuring everyone receives the benefits they are entitled to. Where errors have occurred, we will correct them and make back payments including interest."
What Claimants Should Do
While the DWP is handling cases automatically, claimants who believe they may be affected should:
- Keep their contact details updated with the DWP
- Check bank statements regularly for unexpected payments
- Look out for official DWP correspondence
- Seek advice from disability charities if concerned
The department expects to complete the review and all associated payments within the coming months, providing much-needed financial support to thousands of disabled Britons who were wrongly assessed.
