DWP extends PIP awards without full reassessments from June 2

The Department for Work and Pensions is implementing new regulations that will allow officials to extend Personal Independence Payment awards for longer periods without a full reassessment, a move aimed at managing a significant backlog of assessments. The changes, which take effect on June 2, will grant decision-makers the power to roll forward existing fixed-term awards to safeguard the efficient administration of the benefit system.

Official figures show there are now nearly 3.9 million people across England and Wales claiming PIP, a non-means-tested benefit designed to help with the extra costs of long-term disability or illness. Payments are based on how a condition affects a person’s daily living and mobility, with weekly amounts ranging from £30.30 to £194.60. The new rules are a response to internal warnings that the current review system is under severe strain and risks being overwhelmed by rising demand.

A key aspect of the policy is that it will not apply to claimants under the age of 25. Officials stated that younger people are more likely to see an improvement in their condition and argued that more frequent contact allows for earlier access to employment support....