The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a significant new initiative aimed at ensuring disability benefit claimants receive their full entitled support. The department is actively encouraging individuals receiving Personal Independence Payment to come forward and report any changes in their health conditions or circumstances.
New Campaign Encourages Open Communication
DWP permanent secretary Peter Schofield has revealed details of the "Tell us too" campaign, designed to make it simpler for claimants to notify the department about relevant changes. The initiative acknowledges that while people often share personal developments with friends and family, they might not always inform official channels.
Mr Schofield explained: "For most of our benefits, we do rely on the claimant letting us know about a change in circumstance. One of the key things we are increasingly trying to do more of is to remind people to let us know, to make it easier for people to let us know."
Potential for Significant Payment Increases
The campaign highlights how reporting a worsening health condition could lead to substantial payment adjustments. Currently, PIP payments range from £116 monthly at the lowest rate to £749 monthly at the highest possible rate. This represents a potential increase of over £630 per month for those whose circumstances warrant moving from the minimum to maximum support levels.
Mr Schofield emphasised: "Please let us know about a change of circumstance, and we can make a difference. That is about adjusting up and adjusting down [payments]."
Focus on Disability Benefit Eligibility
The DWP has identified disability benefits, particularly PIP, as the area with the greatest unfulfilled eligibility. One specific group that commonly misses out includes existing PIP claimants whose health conditions have deteriorated since their initial assessment.
These individuals may be entitled to a higher premium within the PIP system but haven't reported their changed circumstances. The department is now actively working on strategies to encourage this group to come forward and access the increased support they may qualify for.
Prioritised Assessment Process
To facilitate quicker support for those reporting worsening conditions, the DWP has implemented a prioritisation system. When claimants report health deterioration, their cases receive expedited attention within the health assessment process.
Mr Schofield clarified: "We prioritise those requests when they come in, to make sure that they get access to a health assessment quickly, so we can put that right quickly. So they are towards the top of the queue, in that health assessments process for PIP, alongside new claims."
System Integration and Future Developments
The department is also working on technological improvements to streamline the process of reporting changes. The goal is to create a system where claimants can report a single change of circumstance that automatically updates across all DWP benefits they receive.
This integrated approach aims to reduce administrative burden for claimants while ensuring their benefit entitlements remain accurate and up-to-date. The developments represent part of broader efforts to modernise the benefits system and improve accessibility for those who rely on government support.
