Overview

• DWP data show 4,000 face-to-face PIP assessments took place in August, a number ministers expect to rise as in-person capacity grows.
• Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms says more health professionals will be deployed to assessment centres to increase in-person appointments.
• Assessment provider Capita says the sessions focus on daily living needs rather than diagnosis, typically last about an hour and take as long as necessary, with a report sent to DWP.
• During assessments, health professionals may observe difficulties or ask for simple movements, and claimants can bring someone for support or request reasonable adjustments.
• People living in Scotland now receive the devolved Adult Disability Payment instead of PIP, administered by Social Security Scotland.