State Pensioners on PIP Could Receive Automatic 10-Year Payment Awards
Older individuals making new claims for Personal Independence Payment, commonly known as PIP, might be eligible for automatic 10-year payment awards under updated government guidance. This significant change, implemented in 2019, affects claimants whose reviews would occur when they reach State Pension age.
Understanding the 2019 PIP Guidance Change
The Department for Work and Pensions, or DWP, revised its PIP guidance to state that "claimants whose review would have taken place when they were of State Pension age means they are now generally awarded ongoing awards." Ongoing awards typically span a decade, though the exact duration and review periods are determined individually based on each claimant's specific needs and the likelihood of those needs changing over time.
DWP decisions also consider factors such as planned medical treatments, therapy sessions, or the process of learning to manage a condition effectively. This personalized approach ensures that awards align closely with the claimant's circumstances.
How PIP Awards Are Structured
If you qualify for Personal Independence Payment, you usually receive an award for a fixed period. The possible durations include:
- One year, if your condition is likely to change
- Two years
- Three years
- Five years
- Ten years
The length of your award depends on how probable it is that your needs will evolve. You will be contacted during the final year of your award to initiate the renewal process for your claim.
Light Touch Reviews for Eligible Claimants
Simplified light touch reviews apply to specific groups of PIP recipients. You may qualify for these reviews if you are over the age of 66, or if you have a severe, lifelong condition and receive the enhanced rate for both the daily living and mobility components of PIP.
When light touch reviews are applicable, your PIP will only be reviewed every 10 years, and the review process itself will be more straightforward and less intrusive. This measure aims to reduce administrative burden and provide greater stability for eligible claimants.
DWP Review Procedures and Requirements
It is important to note that the Department for Work and Pensions retains the authority to review your PIP award at any time, even if you have been granted a fixed-term award. When a review is initiated, you will receive a letter from the DWP along with a PIP review form.
The letter will specify a deadline for completing and returning the form. Failure to submit the form on time may result in the suspension of your claim, unless you can provide a valid reason for the delay. In such cases, you must explain the circumstances that caused the late submission to the DWP.
Upon receiving your completed PIP review form, the DWP will assess your claim to determine whether your PIP payments should continue or cease. This evaluation ensures that awards remain appropriate and fair based on current needs and conditions.
