New data has revealed that nearly half of all Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims were rejected by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) during the 2023/24 financial year.
The statistics, disclosed by Work and Pensions Minister Sir Stephen Timms, show a worrying trend in disability benefit assessments, sparking criticism from campaigners and MPs.
Rejection Rates
According to official figures, the DWP “disallowed” 332,800 PIP claims at the assessment stage between April 2023 and March 2024. This means nearly 50% of all applicants were denied support.
However, some claimants later overturned their initial rejection:
- 13,500 claims (4% of those initially rejected) were awarded PIP after appeal.
- 18,900 appeals remain unresolved, meaning the final approval rate may change.
Minister Timms cautioned that these numbers, based on data collected until September 2024, are subject to future revisions as more appeals are processed.
Widespread Criticism
The high rejection rate has drawn significant criticism, particularly as the DWP faces accusations of providing poor service to disability benefit claimants.
A recent report from the Public Accounts Committee described the department’s handling of disability benefits as “unacceptably poor.”
The committee highlighted concerns over:
- Inconsistent and flawed PIP assessments
- Long waiting times for appeals
- Lack of transparency in decision-making
Many disability rights advocates argue that the PIP assessment process is fundamentally flawed, often leading to unfair rejections that force claimants into lengthy appeal battles.
Delays
While some claimants successfully challenge their PIP rejection, the appeal process can take months or even years to resolve. Currently, nearly 19,000 appeals are still waiting to be heard, leaving thousands of disabled people without crucial financial support.
Shelley Hopkinson, Head of Policy and Influencing at Turn2us, criticised the impact of these delays, stating:
“DWP delays and poor communication disrupt claims, causing hardship for disabled people who depend on these benefits for financial security.”
Claimants
For those applying for PIP, this data highlights the challenges of securing support. While appeals can lead to successful outcomes, the rejection rate remains alarmingly high, raising concerns about how disability assessments are conducted.
Campaigners continue to push for reforms to the PIP process, urging the government to:
- Improve assessment accuracy
- Reduce delays in appeal decisions
- Ensure fair treatment for disabled claimants
With thousands still waiting for their cases to be reviewed, the debate over PIP and disability benefits is far from over.
FAQs
How many PIP claims were rejected in 2023/24?
The DWP rejected 332,800 PIP claims during the 2023/24 financial year.
What percentage of rejected PIP claims were overturned?
Only 4% of rejected claims (13,500) were later awarded PIP after appeal.
How many PIP appeals are still pending?
There are 18,900 unresolved PIP appeals as of September 2024.
Why is the DWP facing criticism over PIP?
The DWP has been criticized for poor service, delays, and flawed assessments.
What changes are campaigners calling for?
Campaigners want fairer assessments, faster appeals, and more transparency.
