Benefit claimants face the risk of falling into poverty due to unacceptable delays by the government, according to a group of MPs. The Public Accounts Committee revealed that some individuals are waiting for more than a year for their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims to be processed. The committee’s report, released today, disclosed that only 51% of PIP claims were handled within 75 working days during the 2024-25 period, falling short of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) target of 75%.
The report emphasized the detrimental impact of prolonged waiting times on claimants, leading them into debt and potential poverty. MPs highlighted cases where constituents had waited excessively long periods for their claims to be processed, exceeding a year in some instances. Although the DWP disputed this evidence in its statistics, it acknowledged the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, criticized the DWP for failing to provide a satisfactory level of service to disability claimants, stating that promised improvements have yet to materialize. The Committee urged the DWP to enhance transparency by sharing detailed data on waiting times, including the longest wait recorded in 2024/25. PIP serves as a crucial disability benefit to assist individuals with additional living expenses related to daily challenges, irrespective of their employment status.
Last summer, the Labour party revolted against government plans to restrict PIP eligibility, leading to a review of the benefit, spearheaded by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms. The DWP defended its actions, claiming to be rectifying the inherited welfare system by supporting claimants in transitioning to better employment opportunities and overcoming poverty through a significant modernization initiative.
The DWP spokeswoman asserted their commitment to expediting PIP award decisions and assured that the Timms Review aims to ensure the fairness and adequacy of the benefit for the future.