The latest government figures indicate that benefit claimants disputing their entitlements from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are more frequently winning their cases without the need for a hearing. However, the situation remains complex, with over 79,000 individuals still awaiting their appeals.
In the most recent quarter reported by the DWP, covering April to June, there was a notable decrease in the percentage of cases where benefits officials contested claims at tribunal hearings, dropping from 70 per cent to 61 per cent, equating to around 17,000 cases. This shift implies that a greater number of claimants could see their benefits increased without facing opposition at a hearing.
Yet, for those who do reach the tribunal stage, the outcome seems less favourable. The Benefits and Work forum’s analysis of the data suggests a 9 per cent decline indicates “the DWP is surrendering before the appeal date in an increasing number of cases.”
It appears the department may be strategically concentrating on appeals it has a stronger chance of winning. Despite this, the DWP has experienced more success at hearings, with the rate of dismissed claims rising by three per cent to 40 per cent, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Despite enduring criticism over the lengthy waiting times, individuals seeking a decision from the DWP and an increase in their income are now facing an additional eight-week delay for their hearing. Even though the total number of benefit appeals has decreased year-on-year, DWP data shows that the wait to have a case heard at a tribunal is now a staggering 35 weeks.
During this period, benefit claimants must make do with the amount initially awarded to them. The majority (64%) of appeals are for Personal Independence Payment, indicating that disabled and ill Brits are waiting nearly nine months to have their case heard – even though a significant 69 per cent eventually win their appeal.
These prolonged waits for benefit claimants taken to an appeals hearing are likely to persist as, by the end of June, the backlog of appeals reported by the DWP had increased by 12 per cent to 79,000.
Between April and June, at benefit appeals hearings, PIP claimants were successful in 69 per cent of cases, while people on DLA won in 59 per cent, a four per cent decrease compared to the same period last year. Similarly, successful appeals for ESA awards fell by eight per cent, with only 44 per cent of claimants succeeding at a hearing.
For Universal Credit, which accounted for a fifth of all appeals, claimants also faced more difficulties, with just under half (49%) winning their case, a drop of five per cent.
