The DWP has released new information
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has disclosed that the overwhelming majority of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are being conducted by telephone. New Freedom of Information data revealed that in June, an enormous 70,000 PIP assessments were carried out over the phone – accounting for 75.6% of all evaluations during that month.
The statistics also showed that an additional 13,000 PIP award reviews were processed using only the documentation provided, also referred to as a paper-based evaluation. Just 5,000 people, 5.2% of cases that month, were given face-to-face evaluations, reports the Daily Star.
The remaining 3,000 cases were managed remotely via video calls. Modifications to PIP assessment and award reviews were set out in the controversial Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working green paper, which sought to increase the number of people receiving in-person assessments and reviews.
The Government has confirmed these changes will only affect new claimants from November 2026 onwards. Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, recently confirmed that whilst the DWP remains “committed to enabling a multi-channel assessment approach”, the priority will be on boosting the number of face-to-face PIP assessments. Despite forthcoming reforms, the DWP will continue to provide phone and video consultations when required.
The minister explained in his written statement: “The feasibility of a paper-based assessment will always be considered in the first instance, for all cases. Where a paper-based review is not possible the claimant will be invited to an assessment.
“Before an invitation to an assessment is sent, consideration will be given to claimants who need a specific assessment channel due to their health condition or circumstances. Other claimants who can undertake any assessment type will be allocated to the next available appointment; however, this can be changed if the claimant informs us that a reasonable adjustment is appropriate in their circumstances.
“The department audits FAS suppliers to ensure that the correct PIP assessment channel type has been selected for the claimant. This provides assurance that claimants are routed to the most appropriate assessment type.”
PIP evaluations prove vital during both the original application process and subsequent award reviews, allowing claimants the opportunity to explain how their condition impacts their daily routine.
Citizens’ Advice made clear that the procedure isn’t intended as a medical examination and won’t provide a diagnosis of your condition, despite being carried out by a healthcare professional. The charity recommends keeping a copy of your application form to hand and consulting it during the assessment if required, to guarantee you supply the assessor with all the essential information they need to make a well-informed decision.
If the assessment takes place face-to-face, you may be requested to carry out certain tasks, but Citizens Advice cautions: “Don’t feel you have to do things in the assessment that you wouldn’t normally be able to do. If you do them on assessment day, the assessor may think you can always do them. If you’re not comfortable with something – say so.”
The health professional will assess whether your condition impacts your ability to perform daily activities and mobility, based on the information supplied in your forms and what they witness during the assessment. They will then forward their report to the DWP, where a decision maker will establish your entitlement to PIP, the rate, and the length of the benefit.