DWP Has Announced Highest Level of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) Will Have Annual Reassessments Every Ten Years

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that people receiving the highest level of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will have annual reassessments replaced with reassessments every ten years.

Image: Laura Cockram, Head of Policy and Campaigning at Parkinson’s UK

Laura Cockram, Head of Policy and Campaigning at Parkinson’s UK commented:

“This announcement will be welcome news for people with Parkinson’s currently receiving the highest level of PIP, as they will now avoid needless and stressful annual reassessments.

“However it will only affect half of people with the condition currently receiving PIP, and is a piecemeal solution for a broken system that needs a complete overhaul.

“The assessment process is simply not fit for purpose, and does not recognise the reality of living with long-term, progressive conditions. PIP can offer a vital lifeline; however, people with Parkinson’s can find the assessment process humiliating and stressful, with assessor’s ignorance of Parkinson’s commonplace.

“This is a step in the right direction but far more fundamental changes are needed. We look forward to working with the Department for Work and Pensions to review the guidance being given to assessors, and help make it fit for purpose.”

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