Benefit claimants are facing the risk of falling into poverty due to significant delays in government processing, according to a report by a committee of Members of Parliament. The report highlights that individuals are experiencing wait times exceeding a year for their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims to be handled.
The report, released today, reveals that only 51% of PIP claims were processed within 75 working days during the 2024-25 period, falling short of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) target of 75%. The Public Accounts Committee emphasized the detrimental impact of these delays, leading claimants into debt and potentially driving them into poverty, while criticizing the lack of an effective plan by the Department to address the issue promptly.
MPs on the Committee shared instances of constituents waiting over a year for claim processing, which the DWP stated was not reflected in their statistics but acknowledged as a genuine concern requiring attention. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, expressed disappointment in the persistent poor service experienced by disability claimants, noting delays in promised improvements.
The Committee’s recommendations include urging the DWP to provide detailed data on waiting times, especially highlighting the longest wait recorded in 2024/25. PIP serves as a crucial disability benefit aiding individuals with additional living expenses and is accessible to both employed and unemployed individuals.
Last summer, the government faced opposition over proposed restrictions on PIP eligibility, leading to a review by DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms expected to conclude in the autumn. The DWP emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare system, promote employment opportunities, and ensure timely PIP decisions through modernization initiatives.
The commitment to expedite PIP award decisions and assess the program’s fairness and effectiveness through the Timms Review underscores the government’s aim to improve support for claimants and enhance the welfare system.