Benefit Claimants Repeat Assessments
2021-03-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about repeated assessments that individuals with severe conditions must undergo, which can be distressing and resource-intensive.
What steps is she taking to reduce the number of repeat assessments that benefit claimants with severe conditions are required to undergo?
We stopped regular assessments for people with severe conditions for work capability assessment and personal independence payment claimants with the highest level of needs which will not improve. We are continuing to remove pensioners on PIP onto ongoing awards at their award review, and the upcoming health and disability Green Paper will consult on further improvements to the assessment process.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question builds on the initial concern about repeated assessments and seeks to identify lessons learned during a difficult period regarding simplifying the assessment process.
As we move towards the end of this difficult period, what lessons can be taken forward regarding the simplification of the benefit process for those in my constituency and across the nation with confirmed severe conditions?
My hon. Friend raises an important point. One lesson we can take from these unprecedented times is to look to extend the principle of the severe conditions criteria and, where possible, use clear evidence to remove unnecessary assessments. We will explore that further, working with disabled people and health and disability charities, in the upcoming health and disability Green Paper.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or timelines for simplifying the assessment process were not provided.
Response accuracy