September heralds significant changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) as a result of new companies taking over the assessment process.
Claimants applying for PIP are being alerted that September will introduce fresh procedures surrounding assessments and claims due to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) contracting fresh providers to supervise a revamped health assessment system.
The forthcoming adjustments involve consolidating various benefit assessments into one unified procedure under the DWP‘s Health Transformation programme.
This means that PIP evaluations, along with Work Capability Assessments for both ESA and Universal Credit, will be carried out in the same manner at the same time.
Certain features of the claim process will remain unchanged; these include standards concerning face-to-face meetings and specific conditions for the assessment environment.
For instance, in-person evaluations must still occur within an “absolute maximum” 90-minute journey by public transport from a claimant’s residence.
Moreover, all assessments will continue to be conducted on the ground floor of buildings to ensure easy access for all applicants. Claimants still have the option to be accompanied by a support person during appointments, and these individuals are permitted to submit evidence as well.
Despite the introduction of a new single assessment, professionals such as therapists, nurses, physiotherapists and doctors can still conduct additional assessments while paramedics are only permitted to carry out PIP assessments.
The transition to this new system and the companies involved should not significantly affect the application process.
The Health Transformation Programme is a long-term strategy aimed at simplifying the PIP application process, improving evidence collection and developing a unified Health Assessment Service for all benefits requiring a functional health assessment.
The new providers have been awarded contracts on a regional basis, according to The Independent:
- Maximus UK Services Limited will cover Scotland and North England, currently provided by Atos.
- Capita Business Services will be responsible for the Midlands and Wales, currently provided by Capita.
- Serco will take over South West England, currently provided by Atos.
- Ingeus UK Limited will handle South East England, London and East Anglia, currently provided by Atos.
- Capita Business Services will continue to serve Northern Ireland, currently by Capita.
