The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently introduced a new “light touch” review for some Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants.
PIP is designed to help working age adults living with an illness, disability or mental health condition. Those with shorter-term PIP awards typically have to fill out a 16-page form - but if you are moved to a “light touch” review then you will have to fill out a shorter six page form.
This normally applies to claimants whose condition is severe and unlikely to change, and your PIP will only be reviewed every ten years. The DWP has published a sample copy of the shorter “PIP AR2” six-page form on GOV.UK.
While this is only designed to be used in reference, it could help you understand what questions you will need to fill out. DWP guidance states that you will continue to get PIP while your claim is being reviewed.
Sections on the PIP review form
The six-page review form covers:
DWP cost-of-living payment dates announced as millions get £900 but only by 2024Identity and contact details
Immigration status
Your main healthcare professional
Details of any changes to your health condition or disability
Details of any changes to your daily living needs
Details of any changes to your mobility needs
Your consent to allow the DWP to collect further information
Questions on the review form
Here are all 16 questions on the PIP AR2 form.
About you
Q1 - Your name
Q2 - Your date of birth
All the cost of living payments coming in 2023 and 2024 worth up to £1,350Q3 - Your address
Q4 - Is this a hospital, hospice or other residential or nursing care accommodation?
Q5 - Your correspondence address
Q6 - A phone number DWP can contact you on
Q7 - Have there been any changes to your immigration status? - additional space is provided to write an answer
Q8 - Tell DWP anything they need to know about how they communicate with you - additional space is provided to write an answer
About the main healthcare professional that supports you
The form explains that this may be your GP, hospital consultant or a specialist nurse and asks you to provide their details.
Q9 - What is their name?
Q10 - What is their job?
Q11 - What is their phone number?
Q12 - What is the address where they work?
About your health condition or disability
Questions 13, 14 and 15 are given the most amount of space on the form to write additional information. It also reminds people: “PIP is assessed on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.”
Q13 - Have there been any changes in your health condition or disability since DWP last awarded you PIP?
Q14 - Have your daily living needs changed since DWP last made a decision on your PIP?
The form states: “By daily living we mean preparing food and cooking, eating and drinking, managing treatments and taking medication, washing and bathing, managing toilet needs, dressing and undressing, communicating, reading, mixing with other people and managing money.”
Q15 - Have your mobility needs changed since DWP last made a decision on your PIP?
The form states: “By mobility we mean getting around and planning and following a journey.”
Consent for DWP to collect further information
Q16 - Do you give consent for your doctor or other relevant professionals to give DWP more information about your health condition or disability?
The final question also provides guidance on giving DWP consent to obtain further information on how your health condition affects you.
The form explains: “The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or approved healthcare professionals that work for DWP, might need more information about your health condition or disability and how it affects you.
“They might ask, with your consent, for relevant information from your doctor, or any other relevant professional you tell them about.
“DWP can lawfully ask your doctor, hospital consultant or other relevant professionals for information about your health condition and how it affects you. This is because we are asking for the information to help us carry out our official social security functions.”
It adds: “You do not have to give your consent. If you do not, DWP will make a decision based on the information they have already, as well as any you give DWP yourself.” The final page is a declaration for the claimant to sign and date. You can view the AR2 award review form online on GOV.UK.