Disabled People Protection
2020-05-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Department is addressing measures to support disabled individuals during the pandemic.
What steps her Department is taking to support and protect disabled people during the covid-19 outbreak?
To provide greater financial security at this time, we have automatically extended by six months PIP—personal independent payment—awards for existing claimants that are due to be reviewed or reassessed and have suspended all face-to-face assessments of disability benefits for three months.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns over the financial support for disabled people during the crisis.
What steps is the Department taking to rectify the lack of an uplift in legacy benefits compared to the £20 increase in universal credit and working tax credits?
In addition to the more than £1,000 increase to the universal credit standard rate, we have seen the annual benefit uprating of 1.7% across all our benefits. With disability benefits in particular, we have continued to make sure the gateway remains open, that claimants can have their assessments reviewed and that those with a terminal illness are being fast-tracked.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns about the accessibility of PIP for new and reassessment claimants during pandemic.
Can the Minister give further guidance specifically on PIPs? I have been contacted by several constituents who are either looking to access them for the first time or due a reassessment. With face-to-face assessments understandably suspended due to the pandemic, will the Minister confirm what action the Department is taking to ensure that my constituents can access this vital support as quickly as possible?
My hon. Friend is diligent in championing the issues that his constituents face. We have rightly continued to accept new claims; we are allowing reviews where claimants accept them, particularly where their condition may have deteriorated and they could be eligible for greater financial support; and we are prioritising terminally ill claimants.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy