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Limiting repeat work capability assessments and repeat PIP assessments
New House of Commons Library briefing –
This Commons Library briefing paper looks at the rules on reassessing employment and support allowance, universal credit and personal independence payment claimants. Starting from 29 September 2017, some ESA and UC claimants with the most severe conditions will not have to face reassessment. PIP claimants receiving the highest level of support and whose needs are unlikely to improve may only have a “light touch” review every ten years. The Government also intends to exempt from reassessment PIP claimants over State Pension age, unless they report a change in their needs, from late spring 2019..
https://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CBP-7820
So surprised and confused that the DWP are to take that course of action for those over SRA. Nowhere can I find any mention in the PIP regs that would allow a decision to be made that is not on a medical/impact/descriptors basis but entirely on age alone.
I can understand those over SRA having a final re-assessment and given a 10 year award. But to suggest that all claimants irrespective of the award in place should be automatically be substituted for a new 10 year award purely on the grounds of age.
Doesn’t this fly in the face of why PIP was first brought in - regular re-assessments?
The cynic in me is tempted to point out that the final assessment will be a useful way of removing mobility component, which DWP really appear to dislike paying to pensioners.
I read somewhere - but can’t quite place now - that they need to reduce the number of assessments because rollout is behind schedule - so that may have been an influencing factor
That comment was made by M/s Rudd as the reasoning behind this arbitrary course of action and also stating that it was never the intention to continually re-assess those over SRA. That is not good enough. Staff should be in place. The founding principle behind PIP was the need to have regular re-assessment so as to ensure that the correct level of financial support is being given.
What she has stated is a short term fix for a failing of the DWP which was never intended to happen. Age as a criteria of being awarded PIP is so wrong. Instead of those over SRA, why not apply that same rule to those over 40? That will certainly free up some more staff.
Doesn’t this fly in the face of why PIP was first brought in - regular re-assessments?
Good.