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<p>Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is intended to act as a contribution towards
the extra costs that arise from needs related to a long-term health condition or disability.
Entitlement is assessed on the basis of the needs arising from the health condition
or disability, rather than a diagnosis of the health condition or disability itself.</p><p>
</p><p>The enhanced rate of the Personal Independence Payment mobility component was
always intended to be for those "unable" or "virtually unable"
to walk. The 20-metre distance was introduced to identify those whose mobility is
significantly more limited than that of other people. Individuals who can walk more
than 20 metres can still receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component, if they
cannot do so safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly or in a reasonable time
period. We believe the current assessment criteria, including the 20-metre rule, are
the best way of identifying people whose physical mobility is most limited and there
are no immediate plans to make changes.</p><p> </p><p>The PIP assessment should reflect
the impact of variations in an individual's level of impairment, including conditions
which fluctuate, and whether the individual can complete each activity safely, to
an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time period. When choosing
the descriptor, the health professional should also consider an individual’s ability
over a 12-month period, ensuring that fluctuations are taken into account. For each
activity, if a descriptor applies on more than 50 per cent of the days in the 12-month
period, that descriptor should be chosen. In general, health professionals should
record function over an average year for conditions that fluctuate over months, per
week for conditions that fluctuate by the day, and by the day for conditions that
vary over a day.</p><p> </p><p>The department closely monitors all aspects of the
assessment process, including how we assess fluctuating health conditions like multiple
sclerosis. There are no current plans to make changes to the 50 per cent rule.</p>
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