The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed adjustments to the handling of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims when claimants report changes in their health condition.
Claire Hazelgrove, Labour MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, raised a question in the House of Commons regarding trends in waiting times for PIP review decisions and what measures the DWP is implementing to reduce these delays.
In response, Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Employment, outlined a significant reduction in median clearance times for PIP award reviews, which is projected to be 20 weeks for 2025 to 2026. This marks a notable improvement from 43 weeks in 2024-25 and 45 weeks in 2023-24.
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Sir Stephen emphasised that all PIP claims remain active and payments continue while award reviews are underway. Any increases identified during scheduled reviews will be applied retrospectively where appropriate.
He also explained that if claimants report a change in circumstances prompting an unscheduled review, these claims are prioritised alongside new applications to ensure timely processing. “We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) promptly,” he said.
Reducing the time taken for claimants to receive decisions is a departmental priority. The DWP is continuously working to enhance its services, which are subject to ongoing evaluation.
Additionally, Sir Stephen highlighted that reducing face-to-face assessments for claimants has contributed to shorter processing times for many cases.
The DWP reminds claimants of their obligation to report any changes in their circumstances promptly to maintain accurate benefit payments. Failure to report changes immediately or providing incorrect information may result in claims being stopped or payments reduced.
Overpayments arising from unreported changes may need to be repaid, and claimants could face a £50 penalty. Deliberate failure to report changes constitutes benefit fraud, which is taken seriously by the department.