New PIP proposals include paying people for late DWP health assessments

A new report by the Work and Pensions Committee has found that the health assessments system used by people who cannot work or face extra costs due to disability or ill-health to access vital benefits “continues to let down those who rely on it”.However, the Committee of cross-party MPs, led by chair Sir Stephen Timms MP, proposes several “quick and easy wins” to help restore confidence in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and “drive down the high rate of decisions reversed on appeal”.One of the suggestions the Committee has proposed is that DWP pays claimants an assessment rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if the consultation is delayed and takes place outwith Department processing time targets.

The current journey time for new PIP claimants is 14 weeks, measured from the point of initial application to decision letter being issued.The Committee is also keen to see all assessments recorded by default, with claimants having the option to opt-out.

It said that footage could then be used to review cases more accurately without having to go to appeal, and help assessors learn from past mistakes - this is something the DWP has recently announced is planned for next year.

The Committee added that some of the suggestions could drive down the high rate of decisions reversed on appeal, which still stands at 69 per cent for PIP.Work Capability Assessments used for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are set to be abolished as part of new DWP measures, but will remain in place until at least 2026.