By David Bentley

Copyright birminghammail

The DWP has issued an update on how assessments work for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a disability benefit that’s now claimed by 3.8 million people. A minister has shared the key rules for how assessors assess the extent to which someone’s disability or long-term mental or physical health condition affects their everyday life. Sir Stephen Timms, the DWP’s Minister for Social Security and Disability, has set out some fundamental guidance on how eligibility is determined for PIP . The benefit has two components: daily living and mobility, each with standard and enhanced rates of payment. READ MORE: Sir Stephen said: “The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment evaluates how an individual’s condition affects their ability to live independently, rather than focusing solely on the nature or severity of their condition. “The assessment considers whether a person can carry out specific activities safely, reliably, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time frame.” Crucially, he added: “The process should not assess individuals based on their ‘best days’; instead, it is intended to consider the overall impact of a condition over time, specifically considering functional limitations that occur on more than 50 per cent of days within a given period.” He continued: “All health professionals (HPs) [who carry out the assessments] are fully qualified in their health discipline and have passed strict recruitment and experience criteria. They are also required to be registered with the appropriate regulatory body. “The department authorises HPs to conduct assessments only after suppliers demonstrate that the HP has successfully completed a department-approved training and appraisal programme. This process confirms that HPs possess a sound understanding of the clinical aspects and likely functional effects of a broad range of health conditions.” DWP guidance says you could be invited to an assessment with a health professional if more information is needed after you send in the initial claim form, which all applicants must complete. The assessor will ask how your condition affects daily activities (such as preparing a meal, washing and getting dressed) and mobility, and for information about any treatments you’ve had already or plan to have in future. You may be asked to do some simple movements so you can demonstrate how you manage tasks. These appointments can take place at an assessment centre, at your home, over the phone or by video call. Each assessment usually takes one hour and you can take someone else along with you, such as a friend or support worker. Points are awarded at the assessment and then a report is sent to the DWP, which makes a decision on whether you are eligible for PIP and how much you’ll get. Sir Stephen is also to lead a review of PIP that is expected to report its findings in autumn 2026. This project, known as the Timms Review, will involve disabled people, organisations that represent them, experts, MPs, and other interested parties. As part of the review, PIP assessments will be examined, including the activities assessed, the points awarded, and “whether any other evidence should be considered alongside the assessment to fairly reflect the impact of living with a long-term health condition or disability, including related to an individual’s personal circumstances and environment.” Plans to restrict eligibility to PIP have been shelved after a rebellion from backbenchers, so no changes are being introduced while the review is carried out. Labour had wanted to reduce the soaring number of claims by introducing a new “four-point requirement.” This would have meant people needed to get at least four in the activities assessed for the daily living element of the benefit. Government data estimated it would have removed PIP daily living payments from 370,000 current recipients when their benefit was reviewed, and prevented 430,000 future PIP applicants from getting this part of PIP. Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp . Join our dedicated community for the latest updates sent straight to your phone as they happen. You can find out more about cost-of-living issues in our Money Saving Newsletter, which is sent out daily via email with all the updates you need to know on pensions , PIP , Universal Credit , benefits, finances, bills, and shopping discounts. Get the top stories in your inbox to browse through at a time that suits you.