DWP stops PIP payments over internal error through 'no fault of claimants own'

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) payments are being stopped due to internal errors - and through no fault of claimants' own. One claimant, a journalist named Rachel Charlton-Dailey, who you can follow on Twitter/X here, has reported how the DWP has stopped her PIP and she isn't alone.

Rachel explained to the Canary how her PIP was stopped after she received assessment forms - which stretched to an eye-watering 40 pages - on 25 April, with the deadline of 4 May. Rachel told the publication how she "sent the forms back on 30 April and heard nothing", only to discover when ringing the benefits department that they hadn't arrived until 17 May.

The DWP told Rachel that because the case had already been closed they’d have to submit a “mandatory consideration". She said: "This isn’t to decide whether they should award me the benefit. No, it’s to decide whether they’ll even look at the forms.

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"The actual assessment could take over a year, as the current wait time is 59 weeks." Taking to Twitter, one social media user named Kirsty said: "The three week delay in their incoming post is caused by the way they handle deliveries. They are all delivered to the same address and “saved up” before going on to be dealt with.

"This is why some forms of RM tracking delivery don’t function." Sophia said: "Mine is related to WCA (UC). I asked DWP if they required my sick note when I went on sick leave in October 23 and they said no. I had requested a WCA when my claim was reopened two months prior.

"Chased for months and in April was told that I should have provided a sick note." A third, Julian, asked: "This is terrible. Is there a donate button or a buy-me-a-coffee app so we can help Rachel out?" Taking to Twitter, Rachel wrote: "I hate to do this, but the DWP fucked up my claim and I've had my PIP stopped while they review their own mistake. I work as much as I can in chronic pain to fight these bastards. If you like my work and are able to donate it'd be really appreciated."

You can donate here.