The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing severe criticism after a parliamentary inquiry uncovered "unacceptable" waiting times for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims, with some disabled people waiting more than a year for a decision.
Report Exposes Systemic Failures and Human Cost
A new report from the influential Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has delivered a scathing assessment of the disability benefits system. It found that extensive delays in processing PIP applications are actively pushing vulnerable claimants into debt and poverty while they await vital financial support.
The committee highlighted that the government's own target is to process 75% of new PIP claims within 75 working days. However, performance has fallen drastically short. Official data shows that between 2024 and 2025, only 51% of claims were completed within this timeframe.
"It is unacceptable how long some PIP claimants are having to wait for their claims to be processed, which can cause them to get into debt and push them into poverty," the committee stated. It added that the DWP "does not have an adequate plan to improve this in the short term."
Digital Overhaul Promised, But Timeline Slips
In response to the crisis, the DWP has pointed to its ongoing modernisation efforts, notably the Health Transformation Programme. A key part of this is a new online application process, which is being tested in limited postcodes. The department claims this digital system could reduce processing times by up to 20 days.
However, the committee revealed a significant setback in the rollout. While the DWP initially told the PAC in 2023 that 20% of PIP claims would be handled online by 2026, it has now admitted this target will not be met until 2029.
"This is far too long for claimants to have to wait for improvements, and the DWP must now say when more PIP claimants can expect a better service," the report urged. It also called on the government to provide more detailed data on processing times and a clear trajectory for service improvement.
DWP Response and Ongoing Reforms
A DWP spokesperson defended the department's actions, stating: "We're fixing the broken welfare system we inherited by giving claimants the support they need to move into good, secure jobs and out of poverty."
The spokesperson cited the redeployment of around 1,000 work coaches to assist sick and disabled people, alongside a £647 million modernisation programme to replace outdated systems. They also noted that the independent Timms Review is examining PIP to ensure it is "fit and fair for the future."
Despite these assurances, the PAC's findings underscore a deepening crisis within the benefits system, where administrative delays are having severe real-world consequences for some of the most vulnerable in society. The committee has demanded urgent action and greater transparency from the government to resolve the mounting backlog.
