DWP urges PIP claimants not to ignore award review letter

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new statistics revealing a record 3.5 million people currently claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) across Great Britain. The DWP has noted an unprecedented influx of fresh PIP applications, prompting them to prioritise new entrants to ensure rapid financial support.

But they say they haven't overlooked current beneficiaries. Some 440,000 existing claimants can expect their awards to be extended automatically for up to a year when their current term lapses, officials say.

Those due for a PIP award renewal are alerted that payments will continue for an additional twelve months during the review times. However, the DWP cautions that individuals delaying their renewal submission may encounter a "break in payment" if their action is too close to the expiry of their existing award, particularly relevant for those on a fixed-term but without a scheduled review.

DWP Minister Mims Davies MP recently clarified that PIP can be backdated to the date of the claim, ensuring that claimants whose current PIP award ends and their payments stop will receive any missing money if their renewal claim is successful.

The DWP Minister also highlighted that individuals will receive a reminder six months before their award expires, and they must make a new claim to continue receiving PIP benefits, reports the Daily Record.

She added that the current processing time for new PIP claims stands at 15 weeks from the date of submission. The written response from Ms Davies came following DUP MP Jim Shannon's inquiry to the DWP on measures being taken to support disabled people financially while awaiting decisions on PIP and other benefits.

Ms Davies replied: "We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner. We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, considering the need to review all available evidence, including that from the claimant.

"PIP can be awarded with a fixed-term duration to the award without a review date." She elaborated: "In these circumstances the Department issues a reminder to the claimant six months prior to the existing award coming to an end so that if the claimant wants to continue with PIP they need to submit a new claim.

"These renewal claims are treated as new claims and where the current average end-to-end clearance period is 15 weeks from the point the claim is submitted.

"Where a claimant delays making their renewal claim, but submits it shortly before their existing award ends, they could experience a break in payment, but the award can be backdated to the date of claim ensuring that claimants don't lose out in these circumstances."

The DWP Minister noted that this approach is also applied to Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance, where awards can be made for a fixed term and claimants receive a reminder before their current award expires.