DWP updates PIP guidance on claimants being 'asked to attend' new in-person assessments

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The new-look Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has updated its guidance for a major benefit assessment, which will affect millions of Brits claiming the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which provides financial help to 3.4 million people living with disability or long-term health conditions.

In a sign of a fresh approach at the DWP, the guidance now promises to look "at people as individuals" with a focus on how their condition impacts their "daily lives and over a range of different activities." They also confirmed that, to speed up the time it takes for personal evaluations, the majority will continue to take place from written submissions or conversations over the phone.

However, the guidance warns that "some people will be asked to attend a face-to-face consultation," which would take place at a designated centre within a 90-minute drive.

The PIP update on Gov.uk says these consultations will be carried out "by a health professional who considers the evidence provided by the claimant, along with any further evidence they think is needed." READ MORE: DWP makes massive change to PIP assessments with 'faster' decisions by Jobcentre managers Laying out Labour's approach, the guidance update says these new-look assessments for PIP will have no time limit on them, so that claimants can fully explain the extent of their disability or health condition.