The latest quarterly statistics published by the DWP show that the number of claimants having their PIP award reviewed has leapt by 68% compared to the same period a year before. The number of new claims is also continuing to hit record highs.
New claims success rates
220,000 new claims for PIP were made and 220,000 were cleared in the quarter ending October 2023. This is an increase of 11% in the number of new claims made, compared to the same time last year.
46% of all new claim received an award of PIP, with 53% of those who made it as far as an assessment receiving an award.
Award lengths
For new claims in the quarter ending October 2023:
76% of claims awarded were short term (0 to 2 years)
14% were longer term (over 2 years)
8% were ongoing
Planned award review outcomes
Planned award reviews are those which the DWP require the claimant to have, rather than a review requested by the claimant because, usually, their condition has got worse
110,000 planned award reviews were registered and 110,000 cleared in the quarter ending October 2023.
The number of planned award reviews cleared has increased by 68% compared to the same period last year.
Planned award review outcomes for last five years to October 2023 are:
Award Increased 19%
Award Maintained 51%
Award Decreased 9%
Award Disallowed 21%
Clearance times
Clearance times for new claims are 15 weeks from start to finish, down from 16 weeks a year ago.
Once new claims are referred to an assessment provider, the waiting time has fallen from 11 weeks to 9 weeks from referral to a decision.
Mandatory reconsiderations
Over the past 5 years, 34% of mandatory reconsiderations (MRs) cleared have led to a change in award.
In October 2023, the average clearance time was 36 calendar days, down from the most recent peak of 79 in September 2021.
Over the past 5 years:
35% of completed MRs against initial decisions following a PIP assessment went on to lodge an appeal
24% of appeals lodged saw DWP change the decision in the customer’s favour before the appeal was heard at tribunal – known as a “lapsed” appeal.
Rising 16s
There is good news for claimants who transfer from DLA to PIP at age 16.
52% of rising 16s who registered a DLA reassessment claim were awarded PIP at the highest rate (enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility components).
Only 8% of the same individuals received the highest rate under DLA.
