DWP is failing with the new PIP benefit.
DWP statistics published earlier this month show that between April 2013 and March 2014 349,000 PIP claims were received. During that same period just 83,900 (24%) decisions were made. In addition, only 1,015 appeals had been heard by an independent tribunal, according to figures from the HM Courts and Tribunals Service. Since October, the new rule means that every person who has had a claim refused after a PIP assessment or a fit-for-work test, cannot appeal straight away to an independent tribunal. Now the case must first be returned to the DWP to be reconsidered. This new step in the appeal process for unsuccessful welfare benefit claimants is called a “mandatory reconsideration”. During this time the claimant receives no payments and there is no time limit for how long the reconsideration can take.
For more information and to read about claimants’ experiences click HERE