Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Disabled People: Protection

Monday 11 May 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department extended PIP awards by six months for existing claimants whose awards are due to be reviewed or reassessed.
  • The Department suspended face-to-face assessments of disability benefits for three months due to the pandemic.
  • The Department continued to accept new PIP claims and allowed reviews for claimants whose condition may have deteriorated.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Craig Tracey Con North Warwickshire
NHS Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Department is addressing measures to support disabled individuals during the pandemic.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support and protect disabled people during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson

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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Q2 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham, Deptford
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Concerns over the financial support for disabled people during the crisis.

Question

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?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson

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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Q3 Craig Tracey Con North Warwickshire
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Concerns about the accessibility of PIP for new and reassessment claimants during pandemic.

Question

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?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson

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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