THREE major changes to PIP benefits are due to be rolled out over the summer.
People claiming PIP will notice the changes starting next month and it could make the process of renewing claims easier.
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) is a disability benefit that is given to those with long-term mental or physical health problems or disabilities.
Nearly three million claimants are entitled to PIP in England and Wales.
Those who originally qualified for a 10-year PIP award back in 2013 are now ready to have their claims reviewed.
And the changes that are being made by The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) could make the renewals process much easier.
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Here are the main changes that you need to know about if you are claiming PIP.
The 'light touch' review
The brand new "light-touch" PIP review is being introduced from August.
The new simplified form will be used to assess a long-term claimant's eligibility for the benefit.
PIP was first introduced back in 2013 and awards typically last between nine months and 10 years.
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Meaning that now millions of people who qualified for the 10-year award will now have to submit a fresh claim.
However, from August 1 claimants with no likelihood of showing any improvement in their condition will have a "light touch" review instead.
The "light touch" review is a simpler way of reapplying for benefit.
And the new process will also include those who claim PIP and are over the state pensions age.
Changes to paperwork
Unlike the usual 16-page award review form that's issued to those with shorter-term PIP awards, thousands of those with 10-year awards will only need to complete a shorter six-page form.
Hundreds of claimants should look out for these new forms in the post over the coming months to ensure that they don't risk having their payments cut.
Thousands more will be handed the simpler review when their awards come up for renewal too over the coming year.
Face-to-face assessments scrapped
Another major change coming in August is the scrapping of face-to-face assessments for those with long-term awards.
Unless a person's medical condition has changed a face-to-face assessment will not be required as of next month.
However, this only applies to people who have a long-term award.
PIP will continue to have a health assessment as part of its claims process.
How are PIP claims reviewed?
The letter you got when your PIP was approved will tell you when your claim will end and if it will be reviewed.
You will continue to get PIP while your claim is being reviewed.
Depending on your circumstances you'll get a normal Award Review or a "light touch" review.
Light touch reviews only apply if you:
- Are over pension age, or
- Have a severe, lifelong condition and get the enhanced rate of both daily living and mobility components
If light touch reviews apply to you, your PIP will only be reviewed every 10 years and the review will be simpler.
These new forms will contain a small section for you to describe your health condition and another to explain how this affects both your mobility and daily living needs.
All other claimants will get a normal Award Review.
When the DWP reviews your claim, you will be sent a letter with a PIP review form.
The letter will ask you to complete and return the PIP review form before the date on the letter.
If you don't send the form back in time, the DWP will stop your claim unless you have a good reason for sending it in late.
You will need to tell them why you sent the form late.
When the DWP receives your PIP review form, they will decide whether your PIP claim should stop or continue.
What is PIP?
Millions suffering from long-term health conditions or disabilities get extra cash help through personal independence payments (PIP).
You can get PIP even if you're working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.
The payments can be worth up to £172.75 a week, so if you don't claim it already, check to see if you're eligible.
PIP is available to those aged 16 or over but no fresh claims can be made if you've reached the State Pension age.
The current state pension age is 66 but this is set to rise to 68.
Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).
Difficulties with daily living can include:
- Preparing or eating food
- Washing, bathing and using the toilet
- Dressing and undressing
- Reading and communicating
- Managing your medicines or treatments
- Making decisions about money
- Engaging with other people
You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment.
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If you receive constant attendance allowance you will receive less of the daily living part of PIP.
If you get war pensioners' mobility supplement you will not get the mobility part of PIP.
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