Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

PIP Application Process

Monday 17 May 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial review of the personal independence payment application process is underway.
  • A new end-to-end application process is being tested later in the year.
  • Average clearance times for PIP claims have increased from 16 to 19 weeks.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the efficiency and accessibility of the PIP application process, particularly as claim numbers increase post-covid.

Question

What plans does she have to review the application process for personal independence payment awards? I am concerned about the current inefficiencies in the system that prevent people from accessing support quickly during these challenging times. As we return to normality, how will this be addressed?

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

We are currently reviewing the application process for all personal independence payment claimants. Building on our covid response PIP 2 online service, we plan to test a new end-to-end application process later this year. As face-to-face assessments return, those unable to be assessed through paper-based reviews, telephone or video assessments will be prioritised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about reviewing and improving the PIP application process was partially addressed but lacked detailed commitments on timelines and specifics of changes planned.

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Q2 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the timeliness and accessibility of personal independence payment assessments as claim numbers increase post-covid.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure that PIP claimants are assessed promptly so they can access support quickly? I have raised specific cases with you where delays in assessment are causing significant hardship. How will this be addressed?

Answer from Justin Tomlinson

As we return to normality, we have received more claims than usual and are working hard to clear them as quickly as possible. Average clearance times are slightly up from 16 to 19 weeks. Those unable to be assessed through paper-based reviews or video assessments will be prioritised for face-to-face assessments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about steps being taken to ensure prompt assessments was partially addressed but lacked detailed commitments on how delays in assessment would be reduced and prioritisation mechanisms.

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How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)