Personal Independence Payments Application Process 2023-04-24
2023-04-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The health transformation programme is modernising the personal independence payment service, including the application process. However, a constituent faced difficulties completing his form despite assistance from friends and organisations like Citizens Advice.
What steps has the Department taken to simplify the application process for personal independence payments? My constituent Gary Thacker diagnosed with autism later in life found it difficult to complete his PIP form despite having help. Despite formal methods of assistance, he was unaware of these supports. How is the Department ensuring applicants are aware of available support?
The Department offers support according to ability and need, including referral to visiting officers and forms completion service for vulnerable claimants in exceptional cases. The personal independence payment journey is being digitalised to provide greater signposting within processes and towards other supports eligible for people.
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Assessment & feedback
The digitalisation timeline was not provided, no specific steps were given on how applicants will be made aware of support levels available.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A survey by the charity Mind and Censuswide found that 66% of people with a mental health issue discovered their experience of the benefits assessment system made their mental health worse. The majority of negative decisions are overturned at tribunal.
The survey found many claimants experienced deterioration in mental health due to the assessment system, despite most appeals being successful. When does the Minister expect improvements in decision making and impact on people's mental health?
Waiting times for PIP claims have decreased considerably compared to pre-pandemic levels. The Government aims to focus on quality decision making through reforms introduced in the White Paper, aiming at reducing assessment burdens and matching conditions with assessors having right expertise.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline for improvement was provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister's proposal to collapse the work capability assessment into PIP could lead up to 1 million people to lose out on £350 a month, causing distress and not supporting them in getting back to work.
Why is the Minister proposing to essentially collapse the work capability assessment into the PIP process? This will cause considerable distress for those with fluctuating health conditions or recovering from treatment. Why not adopt Labour's policy of changing WCA rules to offer an “into work guarantee” for those without work requirements?
The Government believes scrapping the WCA is right; it responds to feedback showing strong support for this change. People will be transitionally protected, with those currently not claiming PIP potentially entitled to it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address Labour's policy proposal directly or respond to specific ask about adopting alternative approach.
Attack
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Department's own report shows that sanctions do not work, yet the Government introduces a new universal credit health element with eligibility through PIP which could be more restrictive than WCA. The in-work progression offer will expose disabled people to sanctions.
Why is the Minister introducing a new universal credit health element and in-work progression offer despite his Department's report showing that sanctions do not work? This will inevitably mean exposure to sanctions for disabled people, causing distress.
Congratulations on your marathon time. The Centre for Social Justice is characterised as a think-tank with common-sense reforms reflecting feedback from disabled people. Over 20% of disabled people could start work in two years; the Government aims to support them constructively, meeting their circumstances and needs.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address Labour's policy proposal directly or respond to specific ask about scrapping sanctions for disabled people.
Attack
Congratulation
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The health transformation programme is modernising the PIP service, including application process. Despite formal methods of support, a constituent found it difficult to complete his form due to unawareness.
What steps has the Department taken to simplify the application process for personal independence payments? My constituent Gary Thacker diagnosed with autism later in life found it difficult to complete his PIP form despite having help. Despite formal methods of assistance, he was unaware of these supports. How is the Minister's Department ensuring applicants are aware of available support?
The Department offers support according to ability and need, including referral to visiting officers and forms completion service for vulnerable claimants in exceptional cases. The personal independence payment journey is being digitalised to provide greater signposting within processes and towards other supports eligible for people.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific steps were provided on how applicants will be made aware of support levels available.
Response accuracy