Government aims to remove obstacles to PIP claimants

The government has said it wants to make applying for personal independence payments (PIP) easier for those who need extra support.

According to social security minister Sir Stephen Timms, reasonable adjustments have already been put in place to make the claims process and communications easier for vulnerable people, such as:

• dial-in for third parties
• online questionnaires
• the ability to upload supporting evidence digitally
• video and phone assessments
• email communications for those who need it

However, Sir Stephen said the government wants to go further, with innovations such as:

• using medical evidence from other services so people with severe conditions don’t have undergo a full PIP assessment
• letting claimants apply for PIP and track their applications online
• giving claimants tailored support from start to finish, including guidance on other benefits they might be entitled to

Sir Stephen confirmed that the process is being kept under “continual review” to ensure it meets people’s needs.

“It is important that all claimants to PIP are able to access our services and that they do not face obstacles in applying and communicating with the department and its providers,” he added.

What are personal independence payments?

PIP provides help with extra living costs if you have both:

• a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition
• trouble getting about or doing certain everyday tasks because of your disability or condition 

There are two parts to PIP:

• money to help with everyday tasks - this is known as the daily living part
• money to help you get around - this is known as the mobility part

Read our guide to find out more about you can claim PIP and what the assessment process involves.