Personal Independence Payment PIP and disability living allowance
England only
From 23 February 2015 the DWP will extend the areas in which existing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claimants will start to
be reassessed for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). From that date the DWP will further extend the rollout of PIP natural
reassessment to some DLA claimants living in the postcode areas beginning AB (Aberdeen), BB (Blackburn), BD (Bradford), DD
(Dundee), DN (Doncaster), EX (Exeter), HX (Halifax), KA (Kilmarnock), KY (Kirkcaldy), LS (Leeds), PH (Perth), PL (Plymouth), PO
(Portsmouth), PR (Preston), S (Sheffield), SO (Southampton), TS (Cleveland) and WF (Wakefield) where:
- an existing DLA claimant’s fixed term award is coming to an end, or
- they are approaching age 16, or
- the DWPs receive information about a change in their care or mobility needs, or
- an individual chooses to claim PIP instead of their DLA.
The DWP has said consistently that it would take a controlled approach to the introduction of PIP, including the reassessment of
existing DLA claimants, continuously learning lessons from live running. In the areas chosen to extend the natural reassessment
rollout, the assessment provider has sufficient local capacity to handle the increased volumes.
Extending rollout in this gradual way ensures that the DWP can continue to focus on reducing delays and improving the service
to claimants. DWP will continue to monitor progress before making any decisions on extending natural reassessment further.
Existing DLA claimants who have a lifetime or indefinite DLA award will not be affected until at least October 2015, unless the
DWP receives information about a change in their condition that would affect their rate of payment or if they reach the age of 16.
GP reports are not part of contractual work – neither the initial application for assessment nor the appeals process
Initial application for assessment:
The process is sub-contracted to a company called ATOS and if ATOS believes receiving a GP report would be helpful for them in making the decision then ATOS should request any report directly from the GP practice and, as this is over and above normal GMS contracted work, ATOS would have to pay a fee.
The link below identifies that GP reports are not a requirement and where these are needed ATOS will request:
Appeals Process following refusal:
There is nothing within the appeal process whereby doctors are contacted by the Appeals Panel team in contrast to the initial panel, the onus is on the patient to provide evidence that the DWP came to an incorrect decision
There are websites such as the Citizens Advice Bureau which provides an easy to read guide as to how to approach the appeal/ make your appeal – with examples – they do not include approaching the GP in those suggestions https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/apply-to-tribunal/ - the main things they emphasise is that the panel understands how their condition affects their ability to live their life
If you wish to support them you can charge any fee that you think reasonable
