Thousands of claimants receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for mental health conditions are having their benefits renewed for years without undergoing check-ups, according to official figures. Claims for anxiety and depression are being automatically extended by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), meaning claimants could continue receiving payments even if their condition improves.
Sharp rise in automatic renewals
Data reveals that 7,213 people had their benefit “maintained” in April, a staggering 467 per cent increase compared to the 1,271 before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, only five per cent of those re-awarded were required to attend an in-person consultation.
Of the re-awarded claimants, 5,300 received aid for mixed anxiety and depressive disorders, 1,078 for depressive disorder, and 835 for anxiety disorders.
How PIP works
PIP is awarded in two components: the Daily Living component and the Mobility component. Each component can be awarded at the Standard Rate (for scores of 8–11 points), the Enhanced Rate (12 or more points), or not awarded (0–7 points). Awards can be fixed-term with no review, fixed-term with review, or ongoing/indefinite with a “light touch” review.
DWP response
A DWP spokesperson stated: “The central conclusion of the Timms Review Interim Report is clear: PIP is no longer fit for purpose. The review’s final recommendations are due this autumn and will lay the foundation for deep, sustainable reform.
“We inherited a system of rising costs and poor outcomes for too many people, as well as a collapse in face-to-face assessments inherited from the previous government which we are rectifying.
“We’re already taking action to fix the broken welfare system, including by extending award review periods which will remove unnecessary pressure on disabled people and help to deliver savings of around £2bn.”
