Disabled individuals in England and Wales are currently facing a significant financial setback, with an estimated £24 million being missed out on each month due to delays in their personal independence payments (Pip) review, according to a report by Citizens Advice. This backlog in benefits is affecting over 430,000 people, with some waiting for over two years for their review. Over the past six months, the number of individuals seeking support from Citizens Advice for Pip review-related issues has increased by 19% compared to the same period last year. These delays in receiving payments, which can amount to £172 a week, are causing widespread hardship and distress.
While individuals waiting for their Pip review continue to receive financial support, it is only based on their initial award amount. This means that if their health needs have worsened since their last assessment, the payments will not cover their growing costs. Furthermore, these delays can also disrupt access to other related benefits, such as the warm home discount, a Blue Badge, and an accessible Motability car.
Matthew Upton, a representative from Citizens Advice, emphasized the importance of Pip as a lifeline for many individuals with additional living costs related to their health conditions. However, the current system is leaving hundreds of thousands of people in limbo, uncertain about when their claims will be reviewed. Upton called for a more efficient and effective system that provides adequate support for disabled individuals facing rising living expenses.
The report included the story of Shirley Gibson*, who had to wait two and a half years before her Pip was reviewed and increased in May. Gibson’s long-term disability had worsened due to multiple hospital stays and a bout of coronavirus, and she struggled during those years on a lower benefit rate. The financial strain meant she had to cut back on essential items like food and transportation, and she couldn’t afford the necessary medical supplies. The rising energy bills made it difficult for her to keep warm during Christmas.
Citizens Advice attributed the record backlog to workforce shortages and the increased demand caused by pandemic-related ill health and rising living costs. Between January and April 2023, 210,000 people made new claims for Pip, further contributing to the backlog.
Pip has faced challenges since its introduction in 2013, with the success rate of applications in England and Wales dropping from over 70% to barely half in the past five years. Thousands of disabled individuals have been wrongly rejected for benefits.
Jenny Evans*, who has multiple sclerosis, relies on a Motability car, funded by benefits, to leave her house. She was contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for a review in the spring but had experienced significant delays and lack of communication. Since her award in 2019, her health has deteriorated to the point where she can no longer live independently or work. The car she currently has is inadequate for her needs, leaving her largely housebound. Evans expressed frustration and stress due to the prolonged waiting period.
The DWP spokesperson stated that their top priority is to ensure individuals receive the benefits they are entitled to as quickly as possible. They shared that they are actively recruiting more staff, increasing resources, and making ongoing improvements to deliver a more efficient Pip service. The spokesperson assured that individuals will receive any owed arrears once their review has been concluded.
Please note that some names have been changed for privacy reasons.
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