Significant changes to disability benefits assessment are set to take effect in September as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) introduces new providers to manage the process across the UK. These changes will affect how claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment Support Allowance (ESA), and Universal Credit are evaluated.
Starting in September, assessments for benefits requiring functional health evaluations will be overseen by a single provider in each region. This marks a departure from the previous system, where multiple providers could be responsible for different types of assessments within the same area.
New Providers for Disability Benefits by Region
Under the new system, the following providers have been awarded regional contracts:
- Scotland and North England: Maximus UK Services Limited (replacing Atos)
- Midlands and Wales: Capita Business Services (continuing its current role)
- South West England: Serco (replacing Atos)
- South East England, London, and East Anglia: Ingeus UK Limited (replacing Atos)
- Northern Ireland: Capita Business Services (continuing its current role)
What Claimants Can Expect
Although the providers are changing, the assessment procedures will remain largely the same. All assessments must adhere to DWP guidelines, which aim to ensure consistency. However, the transition has raised concerns among some claimants, given the stressful nature of the assessment process.
Several key aspects of the current system will remain unchanged:
- Face-to-face appointments: These must occur within a 90-minute public transport journey from the claimant’s home, which is the maximum allowed under the DWP’s guidelines.
- Accessibility: Assessments will continue to take place in ground-floor locations that are easily accessible.
- Companions: Claimants are still allowed to bring someone with them to the assessment, who can provide additional evidence.
- Qualified professionals: Only therapists, nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, and paramedics (for PIP assessments) are authorized to conduct the evaluations.
Ongoing Back Payments for PIP Claimants
These changes come as thousands of PIP claimants are still awaiting back payments, with an average value of £5,000. This is the result of a Supreme Court decision that required the DWP to reassess certain claims following updates to the assessment criteria.