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Major Changes Announced to Personal Independence Payment

Government to Introduce New Assessment Criteria and Increase Support for Claimants

The UK government has announced major changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, which provides financial support to people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. The changes, which will be introduced in 2023, aim to make the system fairer and more accessible for claimants.

Key Changes to PIP

New assessment criteria: The government will introduce new assessment criteria for PIP, which will be designed to be more objective and consistent. This will help to ensure that claimants are assessed fairly and that those who need support the most receive it.
Increased support for claimants: The government will increase support for claimants who are struggling to manage their condition. This will include providing more information and guidance, as well as access to additional support services.
Simplified application process: The government will simplify the PIP application process, making it easier for people to claim the support they need. This will include reducing the amount of paperwork required and providing more support for people who need help completing their application.

Timeline for Changes

The changes to PIP will be introduced in two phases:

Phase 1: The new assessment criteria will be introduced in 2023. This will apply to new claims and reassessments.
Phase 2: The simplified application process and increased support for claimants will be introduced in 2024.

Reaction to the Changes

The changes to PIP have been welcomed by disability charities and organizations. Turn2us, a charity that provides financial support to people in need, said that the changes were "a positive step forward" and would "make a real difference to the lives of disabled people." The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which is responsible for PIP, said that the changes were "part of our ongoing commitment to making sure that the welfare system is fair and works for everyone."