The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently reassessing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims after a legal judgment identified significant underpayments. While more than 527,000 cases have already been reviewed, over 105,000 remain unresolved, leaving many claimants potentially owed up to £12,000 each.
This large-scale review stems from errors linked to how the DWP assessed certain claims—particularly in regard to Activity 9, which covers “prompting” or “social support” needs under the Daily Living component of PIP. These errors originated from the 2016 MM judgment, which clarified how such support should be evaluated.
Thousands Await Review Despite Ongoing Compensation Effort
According to DWP data, a total of 633,338 claimants are potentially affected by miscalculations in their original PIP assessments. In the last two financial years, the DWP has reassessed 527,745 of these cases. This leaves a backlog of 105,593 still under review, many of which could result in substantial back payments.
The department is focusing on claimants whose assessments may not have correctly factored in the need for “prompting” or “social support”—factors which may significantly alter eligibility for the enhanced Daily Living rate.
However, not all claims are being revisited. Cases are excluded from the review if they meet specific criteria, such as having already received the enhanced rate continuously since 6 April 2016, or if a tribunal decision has been made on the claim since that date.
These reviews have already resulted in lump-sum payouts for some. One individual reported receiving £5,000 in early March after their award was increased, followed by an additional £5,500 from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), amounting to £10,500 in total compensation.
Limited Scope Raises Concerns Over Eligibility and Delays
The scope of the DWP’s review has raised questions about who is included. According to the department, it is not revisiting claims if no award was made before 6 April 2016, or if the claimant already received the enhanced Daily Living component during the full review period.
Claimants have expressed both relief and frustration. While those who received compensation say it has dramatically changed their circumstances—enabling them to pay debts or purchase essential items—others remain in limbo, unsure when or if their case will be reviewed.
