DWP replace over adjustments to PIP assessments after | U.Ok.Finance Information
The DWP has issued a assertion on how adjustments to PIP (Private Independence Funds) have contributed to a “rise” in benefit fraud.
Work and Pensions ministers appeared within the Commons to take questions from MPs about benefit fraud, as new powers are available in permitting officers to view bank statements and to straight deduct funds from people’s accounts in instances of fraud.
Because the Labour ministers had been requested for more particulars about its efforts to crack down on fraud, MP Damien Egan requested: “During Covid, assessments for Personal Independence Payments were either moved online or to over the phone.
“As we speak much less than 5% of these assessments have returned to face-to-face, so what evaluation have ministers made of that change and are there any hyperlinks with the rise in fraud?”
DWP parliamentary under-secretary, Andrew Western, responded to confirm that the DWP has introduced a “mix of telephone, video and face-to-face assessments with the goal of delivering a more environment friendly and user-centred service”.
Turning to the question of PIP fraud, he said: “Since phone and video assessments have been launched there was no proof to recommend that these supply channels are much less efficient than face-to-face assessments in detecting fraudulent claims.
“In 2023-24, PIP overpayments accounted for just 0.4% of the DWP’s overall spend on PIP but this is something that I can assure my honourable friend that we will be keeping a close eye on.”
Plans are additionally underway to improve the PIP evaluation course of. Work and Pensions minister, Sir Stephen Timms, not too long ago mentioned: “The Health Transformation Programme is modernising health and disability benefit services, to improve people’s experience of applying for PIP.
“The Programme will rework your entire PIP service, from discovering out about advantages by to selections, eligibility, and funds.”
PIP claimants are assessed to find out their degree of need and how a lot they need to get. Funds are made up of a day by day residing factor and a mobility factor, with a greater and decrease price for every half.
These are the present weekly cost charges:
Each day residing half
- Decrease price – £72.65
- Greater price – £108.55
Mobility half
- Decrease price – £28.70
- Greater price – £75.75.
Profit funds are growing 1.7% from April, together with PIP, Common Credit score and Pension Credit score. With the new charges, PIP will go up to:
Each day residing half
- Decrease price – £73.90
- Greater price – £110.40
Mobility half
- Decrease price – £29.20
- Greater price – £77.05.
You possibly can view the new benefit charges coming in from April right here.
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