Matt Vickers (Stockton South) (Con) What plans she has to review
the application process for personal independence payment awards.
The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work (Justin
Tomlinson) We are currently reviewing the application process for
all personal independence payment claimants. Building on our covid
response PIP 2 online service, whereby claimants can receive and
submit their PIP 2 online, we are in the early stages of developing
a new end-to-end application process and...Request free trial
(Stockton South) (Con)
What plans she has to review the application process for
personal independence payment awards.
The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work ()
We are currently reviewing the application process for all
personal independence payment claimants. Building
on our covid response PIP 2 online service,
whereby claimants can receive and submit their PIP 2 online, we are
in the early stages of developing a new end-to-end application
process and plan to test it later this year.
As we return to normality, what steps are being taken to ensure
that PIP claimants are assessed promptly, so that
those in need of support can access it as quickly as possible?
I am conscious that my hon. Friend has raised some specific cases
directly with me. As we return to normality, we have received more
claims than normal. We are working hard to get through those as
quickly as possible, with average clearance times slightly up from
16 to 19 weeks. As face-to-face assessments start to return, those
unable to be assessed through paper-based reviews, telephone or
video assessments will be prioritised.
(Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle)
(Lab)
I have a constituent with incurable mantle cell lymphoma who
does not meet the definition of terminal illness. She has been
refused the personal independence payment, she is
one year off her state pension, and because she owns a property
that her disabled son lives in, she cannot claim means-tested
benefits. She is in a dire financial situation. How much longer
will she have to wait for the rules on terminal illness to be
changed?
I thank the hon. Member for highlighting this. I do not know
all the details, but if she is willing to share them, I would be
very happy to look into that specific case. It highlights why we
have carried out this vital evaluation, supported by stakeholders.
The key three principles of improving awareness, consistency and
scrapping the six-month rule remain a priority for our
Department.
