Major overhaul in PIP assessments as DWP introduces changes

Two people reflected in DWP office sign
-Credit: (Image: Chris Young/PA Wire)


Claimants face changes after the government announced significant alterations to disability benefits assessments in September. The government is hiring new companies to oversee a revamped assessment process for Personal Independence Payments, known as PIP.

Previously, individuals would complete a form and subsequently be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Now, people can anticipate being assessed by a staff member who operates across an entire region.

These individuals are either employees or agency workers for the company, and they also conduct Work Capability Assessments for ESA and Universal Credit. The government will assign one provider to a region, rather than multiple assessors. Several new companies have been recruited to take on this role, reports the Daily Star.

Which companies are involved

Contracts have been awarded to several new companies, divided by region. Currently, there are only five areas, with high demand anticipated.

The companies are as follows:

Scotland and North England: Maximus UK Services Limited (currently Atos)

Midlands and Wales: Capita Business Services (currently Capita)

South West England: Serco (currently Atos)

South East England, London and East Anglia: Ingeus UK Limited (currently Atos)

Northern Ireland: Capita Business Services (currently Capita)

All of these companies specialise in outsourcing, but not all have a background in medical care. Capita recently launched an AI academy to assist other businesses in becoming proficient in the technology.

What impact will this have on the procedure?

Following the announcement, a number of workers expressed concern about the future of the process. The government says the process will continue to adhere to DWP guidelines.

Those eligible for benefits will still be required to attend a face-to-face assessment, albeit with an assessor from one of the new companies. These assessments must occur no more than 90 minutes away from the claimant's home address.

The assessment offices are required to be located on the ground floor to ensure they are "easy for all customers to reach." Applicants are permitted to bring someone with them, which may offer some reassurance to workers as their companion can provide evidence in support of their claim.

The contracts stipulate that only therapists, nurses, physiotherapists, and doctors are qualified to conduct the assessments, although they may not be NHS employees. Paramedics are also authorised to perform these evaluations.

These changes come at a challenging time for the DWP, as currently thousands of PIP claimants report not receiving their due payments. Claimants are still anticipating an average payout of £5,000 each from the DWP.

The department was taken to the Supreme Court, resulting in the significant reforms now being implemented. The government has yet to release any details regarding potential future modifications.