A key update has been issued for those waiting for a PIP award (Image: Getty Images)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued vital updates on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) waiting times for those awaiting an award review. Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, recently revealed that claimants reporting a change in circumstances typically wait an average of 69 working days for their PIP to be reviewed, nearly 14 weeks.
He further clarified that when the initiates a review – usually if someone is nearing the end of their award – that necessitates an assessment by a health provider, the average waiting time is 290 working days, around 58 weeks. If the claimant does not require an assessment, it takes, on average, 252 working days for the review to be completed, approximately 50 weeks.
However, Sir Stephen emphasised that while some claimants may need to wait for over a year to have their PIP award reviewed, no one will experience a break in payments. The policy of continuing payments while someone waits for an award review was implemented last year when the number of people claiming PIP reached record-breaking levels, allowing the to concentrate on delivering payments and support to new claimants without affecting those already receiving the benefit, the reports.
An astounding 3.6 million individuals across Great Britain are claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and this includes about 80,000 Scots poised for transition to the new Adult Disability Payment soon. Labour MP Mary Glindon received critical information about PIP award review timings from the Minister, who stated, “We make every effort to conduct award reviews as soon as possible. Most decisions are made without the need for an assessment by a Healthcare Professional.”
“Where the claimant requests a review of their Personal Independence Payment award, the median wait is 69 working days as of September 2024.”
“When the review is initiated by the department, the median wait for a decision that is referred to an assessment provider is 290 working days as of September 2024, and 252 days where it is not referred to an assessment provider.”
The Minister assured that while assessments are pending, payments to existing beneficiaries carry on uninterrupted, and if it’s found that some are entitled to more, the arrears will be paid retroactively. For changes in circumstances reports, the Minister urged claimants to call the PIP inquiry line at 0800 121 4433, with further information accessible on