The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that from April, the length of awards for new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims will be extended. The measure aims to reduce the backlog of Work Capability Assessments (WCA) by freeing up health professionals to conduct more face-to-face assessments and complete additional reassessments.
Currently, the interval between PIP award reviews can be as short as nine months, but for most claimants aged 25 and over, this will be lengthened to a minimum of three years for new claims, increasing to five years at subsequent reviews if entitlement continues. The DWP noted that the majority of claimants do not experience a change in their award at review.
These operational changes are separate from the Timms Review, which will examine the role of PIP, eligibility criteria, and the assessment process. Alongside the PIP changes, modifications to Universal Credit will narrow the gap between payments for unemployment and long-term sickness, fulfilling a pledge to increase face-to-face assessments after they were suspended during the pandemic.
The proportion of face-to-face assessments for PIP will rise from 6% in 2024 to 30%, and for WCA from 13% to 30%. The government expects these measures to save £1.9 billion by the end of 2030/31, alongside employment support such as Connect to Work and the redeployment of 1,000 work coaches.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: 'We're committed to reforming the welfare system we inherited, which for too long has written off millions as too sick to work. These reforms will allow us to save £1.9 billion, creating a welfare state that supports those who need it whilst helping people into work and delivering fairness to the taxpayer.'
