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Disability Benefits Operational Update

17 September 2020

Proposing MP
Justin Tomlinson Con
North Swindon
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment in MM v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions into the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process, as well as updates on Severe Disability Premium Transitional Payments under Universal Credit.

Action Requested

The Department has revised the PIP Assessment Guidance to reflect the judgment, trained all staff and Healthcare Professionals to apply it, and will start applying changes immediately. A FAQ is also being deposited in the House library. The department plans to check claimants' entitlements as a result of the judgment but acknowledges this will take time due to complexity.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court case (MM1) revised the definition of 'social support' under PIP Activity 9.
  • Mind, the mental health charity, was consulted in the process.
  • PIP Assessment Guidance revisions were published on GOV.UK today.
  • All DWP staff and Healthcare Professionals have been trained to apply the judgment.
  • The Department is undertaking an administrative exercise to check claimants' entitlements but acknowledges it will take time.
  • 15,000 people had received over £51.5 million in transitional payments by January 2020.
  • UC (Managed Migration Pilot and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations provide for converting SDP transitional payments into elements within the Universal Credit system.
  • The conversion day will be set to 8 October 2020.
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