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<p>We are committed to ensuring that people can access financial support through Personal
Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner and reducing customer journey times
for PIP claimants is a priority for the Department. We always aim to make an award
decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all available
evidence.</p><p> </p><p>The time it takes to clear a claim and the number of people
awaiting a decision can vary reflecting factors including customer demand, operational
resource and timescales for different parts of the process. In particular, the COVID-19
pandemic has caused distortion and work is ongoing to manage the recovery.</p><p>
</p><p>The time it takes clear new PIP claims in July 2021 (most recent data available)
are similar to levels a year ago.</p><p> </p><p>We are always looking at ways to improve
the assessment process. In addition to face-to-face, we will continue to conduct paper-based,
telephone and video assessments where appropriate.</p>
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