Interim Response to the Independent Review of the Personal Independence Payment assessment process

An Independent Review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) process was carried out by Walter Rader who examined the operation of the PIP assessment process in NI since its introduction in June 2016.

The Department for Communities has now considered Mr Rader’s report and has published an Interim Response to the recommendations. This will remain subject to review and possibly change by an incoming Minister.

The full Independent Review, including all recommendations and the Department’s Interim Response is available. 

Notes to editors: 

1. The review complied with the Welfare Reform (NI) Order 2015 which states that an independent review must be undertaken within two years from the date PIP came into operation. PIP was introduced in Northern Ireland in June 2016
2. Walter Rader was appointed in late 2017 as the PIP Independent Reviewer. He is Discretionary Support Commissioner for Northern Ireland and previously served as Deputy Chief Charity Commissioner for Northern Ireland
3. PIP is the benefit replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16 to pension age. Published statistics show that up to end of May 2018 almost 77,000 PIP claims are in payment with an average clearance time of 12 weeks. Of these, 57,710 (75%) have been reassessed from DLA. 23,680 (41%) of the reassessed claims in payment received the highest level of award, enhanced rate for daily living and mobility components. This compares favourably with the working-age DLA caseload prior to PIP implementation, where 15% were receiving the equivalent award rate
4. Full published statistics on PIP claimants can be found online 
5. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3502 or email: press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110

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