Latest news with #IanRoome
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
New DWP PIP plans will include changes for 'light touch' awards
The Minister for Social Security and Disability has given an update The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are reforming the rules for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), including changes to "light touch" awards, which currently are reviewed every ten years. Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, has been vocal about the new Green Paper's vision to "plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP". He added that this would include improving the information DWP provides when issuing an ongoing PIP award, support available to claimants between reviews, and 'reviewing the length of time between 'light touch' reviews'. The Minister's comments came after enquiries from Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome who recently asked about adjustments DWP is considering for "PIP reassessments for claimants suffering from longer-term degenerative conditions". In a written response, Sir Stephen said: "Award reviews are an important feature of Personal Independence Payment to ensure people receive the correct level of benefit, both for those whose needs will increase and those whose needs may decrease." 'People who receive the highest level of PIP and whose needs will not improve, receive a PIP award for a continuous period with a light touch review at the 10-year point. 'In the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working published on 18 March we outline plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP. 'These include improving the information we provide when we write to people about ongoing PIP award decisions, what support is offered between 'light touch' reviews and reviewing the length of time between 'light touch' reviews.' The planned welfare reforms are due to come into effect in November 2026 for new claimants. Existing claimants would not see any changes until their current award is due for review - the date of this can be found on your award letter. As it stands, DWP figures from January show some 3.7 million people across Great Britain receiving PIP, which now amounts to as much as £749.80 every four weeks after the annual increase this April. Of these, 1.5 million claimants have secured an ongoing PIP award for at least five years due to disabilities or chronic health issues. A significant 58% of PIP recipients with visual impairments are granted up to £749.80 monthly for a duration of five years or more. Over half of the individuals with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) like arthritis, muscle or joint pain have received extended PIP awards, and so have 49.5% of those with neurological issues such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy. According to the latest PIP Handbook, the decision maker will determine PIP awards based on how the claimant's health condition or disability affects their everyday life and independence. The handbook notes: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances." It's crucial to note that DWP guidance also mentions that most awards will be subject to regular reviews "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support". Some individuals may receive a fixed-term award for up to two years - these are not reviewed by the DWP. These non-reviewable limited term awards are given when it's expected that the claimant's health might reasonably improve. Ongoing awards come with a 'light touch' review process A 'light touch' review is generally granted to claimants who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age DWP guidance clarifies: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review." The annual increase of 1.7 per cent will see individuals on disability benefits pocket between £29.20 and £187.45 weekly, equating to roughly £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks. Over the fiscal year, those on the highest awards can expect an additional £9,747 in financial aid. The maximum sum of £749.80 is calculated for someone receiving the top award for both daily living and mobility components. Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer People with varying health conditions can be granted PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition impacts the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants as of the end of January 2025: Visual disease Total number 58,685 5 year PIP award 34,692 Percentage 59% Musculoskeletal disease (general) Total number 682,391 5 year PIP award 341,434 Percentage 50.8% Neurological disease Total number 468,113 5 year PIP award 230,412 Percentage 49% Respiratory disease Total number 138,376 5 year PIP award 64,835 Percentage 47% Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) Total number 19,542 5 year PIP award 8,697 Percentage 45% Musculoskeletal disease (regional) Total number 426,038 5 year PIP award 185,916 Percentage 43.6% PIP payment rates You will be paid the following amounts per week (paid every four weeks in arrears) - depending on your award: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Article continues below Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
New DWP plans for people on PIP with ‘light touch' award set to start next year
Planned changes to PIP are scheduled to start in November 2026 for new and existing claimants. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed planned reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will also include changes for people with an ongoing 'light touch' award, which is typically in place for 10 years before the need for a review. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said that the new Green Paper outlines 'plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP'. He added that this would include improving the information DWP provides when issuing an ongoing PIP award, support available to claimants between reviews, and 'reviewing the length of time between 'light touch' reviews'. The DWP Minister's comments came after Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome recently asked what changes the Department is making to 'PIP reassessments for claimants suffering from longer-term degenerative conditions'. In a written response, Sir Stephen said: 'Award reviews are an important feature of Personal Independence Payment to ensure people receive the correct level of benefit, both for those whose needs will increase and those whose needs may decrease. 'People who receive the highest level of PIP and whose needs will not improve, receive a PIP award for a continuous period with a light touch review at the 10-year point. 'In the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working published on 18 March we outline plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP. 'These include improving the information we provide when we write to people about ongoing PIP award decisions, what support is offered between 'light touch' reviews and reviewing the length of time between 'light touch' reviews.' The planned welfare reforms are due to come into effect in November 2026 for new claimants. Existing claimants would not see any changes until their current award is due for review - the date of this can be found on your award letter. Ongoing PIP awards The latest DWP statistics show that at the end of January some 3.7 million people across Great Britain were in receipt of PIP - now worth up to £749.80 every four weeks following the annual uprating in April. The data also indicates that 1.5m PIP claimants have an ongoing award, of five years or longer, for a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition. More than 58 per cent of people claiming PIP for a visual disease have a monthly award of up to £749.80 for five years or more. More than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award, along with 49.5 per cent of people with a neurological condition such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. The current edition of the PIP Handbook explains the decision maker will make an award of PIP based on the impact of the claimant's health condition or disability on their daily life and their ability to live independently. It adds: 'The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances.' It's important to be aware the guidance from the DWP also says most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, 'regardless of the length of the award' in order to make sure 'everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support'. Some claimants will be given a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years - DWP says these awards will not be reviewed. Limited awards with no review date are given where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve. Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age The DWP guidance states: 'These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.' The annual uprating of 1.7 per cent will see people on disability benefits receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Over the course of the financial year, this will see people on the highest awards receive £9,747 in extra cash help. It's important to be aware the maximum amount of £749.80 is based on someone in receipt of the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components. Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer It's important to be aware people with different health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or longer. The award is based on how the condition affects the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of January 2025. Visual disease 34,692 Musculoskeletal disease (general) 682,391 341,434 50.8% Neurological disease 468,113 230,412 Respiratory disease 138,376 64,835 Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) 19,542 8,697 Musculoskeletal disease (regional) 426,038 185,916 44.6% Total number of PIP claimants 3,694,536 1,501,215 41% PIP payment rates You will be paid the following amounts per week (paid every four weeks in arrears) - depending on your award: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP confirms new plans for people on PIP with ‘light touch' ongoing award
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed planned reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will also include changes for people with an ongoing 'light touch' award, which is typically in place for 10 years before the need for a review. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said that the new Green Paper outlines 'plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP'. He added that this would include improving the information DWP provides when issuing an ongoing PIP award, support available to claimants between reviews, and 'reviewing the length of time between 'light touch' reviews'. The DWP Minister's comments came after Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome recently asked what changes the Department is making to 'PIP reassessments for claimants suffering from longer-term degenerative conditions'. In a written response, Sir Stephen said: 'Award reviews are an important feature of Personal Independence Payment to ensure people receive the correct level of benefit, both for those whose needs will increase and those whose needs may decrease. 'People who receive the highest level of PIP and whose needs will not improve, receive a PIP award for a continuous period with a light touch review at the 10-year point. 'In the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working published on 18 March we outline plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP. 'These include improving the information we provide when we write to people about ongoing PIP award decisions, what support is offered between 'light touch' reviews and reviewing the length of time between 'light touch' reviews.' The planned welfare reforms are due to come into effect in November 2026 for new claimants. Existing claimants would not see any changes until their current award is due for review - the date of this can be found on your award letter. Ongoing PIP awards The latest DWP statistics show that at the end of January some 3.7 million people across Great Britain were in receipt of PIP - now worth up to £749.80 every four weeks following the annual uprating in April. The data also indicates that 1.5m PIP claimants have an ongoing award, of five years or longer, for a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition. More than 58 per cent of people claiming PIP for a visual disease have a monthly award of up to £749.80 for five years or more. More than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award, along with 49.5 per cent of people with a neurological condition such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. The current edition of the PIP Handbook explains the decision maker will make an award of PIP based on the impact of the claimant's health condition or disability on their daily life and their ability to live independently. It adds: 'The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances.' It's important to be aware the guidance from the DWP also says most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, 'regardless of the length of the award' in order to make sure 'everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support'. Some claimants will be given a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years - DWP says these awards will not be reviewed. Limited awards with no review date are given where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve. Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age The DWP guidance states: 'These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.' The annual uprating of 1.7 per cent will see people on disability benefits receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Over the course of the financial year, this will see people on the highest awards receive £9,747 in extra cash help. It's important to be aware the maximum amount of £749.80 is based on someone in receipt of the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components. Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer It's important to be aware people with different health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or longer. The award is based on how the condition affects the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of January 2025. Condition Total Claimants 5-Year+ Awards % Visual disease 58,685 34,692 58.7% Musculoskeletal disease (general) 682,391 341,434 50.8% Neurological disease 468,113 230,412 49.5% Respiratory disease 138,376 64,835 46.9% Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) 19,542 8,697 45.2% Musculoskeletal disease (regional) 426,038 185,916 44.6% Total number of PIP claimants 3,694,536 1,501,215 41% PIP payment rates 2025/26 You will be paid the following amounts per week (paid every four weeks in arrears) - depending on your award: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP shares Universal Credit warning and tells claimants to 'report themselves'
While most employed earnings are automatically received through the Real Time Information system, some cases require manual reporting - for example, if you're self-employed Universal Credit claimants are being reminded of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rules which they must follow in order to receive benefit payments. According to the latest DWP statistics, 7.5 million people are claiming Universal Credit, the highest number since its introduction in 2013. You can claim Universal Credit if you are unemployed or you are working but on a low income. There is no set level for how much money you get every month - what you get is dependent on your personal circumstances which include things like age, whether you live in a couple, and whether you have children. Because of this, you need to let the DWP know of your financial circumstances - such as savings and earnings - as these details are crucial for the department to calculate the correct level of support. While most employed earnings are automatically received through the Real Time Information system, some cases require manual reporting, for example, if you're self-employed. Under the rules, if you're paid too much Universal Credit, you will have to pay it back to the DWP, and this is usually taken from your future payments. The rules cover all Universal Credit claimants, including self-employed people. A recent parliamentary question reiterated the rules around reporting certain finances to the benefit department. The question came from Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome, who asked what the DWP was doing to help people who are "unable to demonstrate consistent monthly income figures" apply for Universal Credit. In response, Labour Party MP Sir Stephen Timms said: "We recognise that some self-employed customers, including those in the farming industry, are likely to report large monthly fluctuations in their earnings. Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics "Steps have been taken to account for this, such as allowing self-employed losses to be carried forward into future assessment periods. Wherever possible, employed earnings are received through the Real Time Information (RTI) system used by employers to report Pay As You Earn (PAYE) data to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). "RTI enables a customer's Universal Credit award to be automatically adjusted to reflect their fluctuating earnings, which eases the reporting burden on customers." Mr Timms said: "If earnings are not reported through RTI for any reason, the customer will need to self-report their earnings and provide evidence of these." The minister added: "We are committed to reviewing Universal Credit to make sure it is doing the job we want it to, to make work pay and tackle poverty. The review will include consideration of the support in Universal Credit for customers with fluctuating incomes." The website warns you could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances which affects your claim. Citizen's Advice says that as soon as you know about a change that might affect your Universal Credit claim, you will need to tell the DWP as soon as you can. They advise you to do this even if the change is relatively small. It added: "It's always better to report something if you're not sure". You can report a change of circumstances by signing into your Universal Credit account online through the "Report a Change" section. You can also call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644, but this is likely to take longer as you might have to wait for someone to answer.
