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People with severe, long-term conditions will no longer have to be regularly reviewed for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), according to the Department of Work and Pensions.

The new guidelines mean that those currently being awarded the highest level of support under PIP will receive an ongoing PIP award and will only be required to complete a less in-depth review every decade.

The announcement was made on 18th June 2018 as the Government looks to refine the PIP review process following a report by the Work and Pensions Committee on PIP assessments outlined “a pervasive culture of mistrust” and performance failures of contractors Atos and Capita.

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Effective from this summer onwards, the change means that those with severe or degenerative conditions will receive an award which reflects the fact that the condition will not improve.

The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Sarah Newton, said: “We’re absolutely determined to ensure people get the right support that they need to live better, more comfortable lives.

“PIP is a needs-based benefit that takes into consideration people’s individual, and sometimes quite complicated circumstances.”

Brought in as the Government’s replacement to the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in 2013, PIP offers benefits to those with ill health or a disability. Unlike the former DLA system’s self-assessment, eligibility for PIP was designed to be stricter and includes a regular review process by Atos or Capita.

Sarah continued: “We’ve listened to feedback from organisations and the public, and this common-sense change will ensure that the right protections are in place while minimising any unnecessary stress or bureaucracy.”

With the details of the guidance still being finalised, the DWP says it will design the light touch review so it adds value for both claimants and the department, like ensuring bank details are up to date.

This latest change comes as the Government looks to address some of the issues highlighted with PIP such as lack of trust, with the Government also recently agreeing to the video recording of PIP assessments as standard across Great Britain.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DWP.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DWP-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettGovernment & Local AuthoritiesNewsroomdisability assessment,Disability Living Allowance,DLA,Government,healthcare sector,Mobility Industry,Personal Independence Payment,PIPPeople with severe, long-term conditions will no longer have to be regularly reviewed for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), according to the Department of Work and Pensions. The new guidelines mean that those currently being awarded the highest level of support under PIP will receive an ongoing PIP award and will...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals