Thank you for contacting me about disability benefit assessments.
I firmly believe that the welfare system should protect the most vulnerable in society. The Personal Independence Payment is assessed on the basis of the needs arising from a health condition or disability, rather than the health condition or disability itself.
PIP assessments look at an individual's ability to carry out a series of key everyday activities which are fundamental to living an independent life, such as their ability to prepare, cook and eat food, dress and undress and make budgeting decisions. This ensures that the greatest level of support goes to those least able to carry out such activities in order to contribute towards the increased costs they are likely to incur.
The health professionals carrying out PIP assessments have training in multiple and complex conditions and have specific guidance available to them on the effects of a range of conditions.
The most common form of evidence used for people receiving UC or ESA at the start of their claim is a fit note. This is evidence, usually from a persons GP, which shows that a person has a health condition which means that the person cannot work or carry out their usual duties.
I welcome the DWPs ambition to go further, to listen and deliver reforms that are developed through close collaboration with disabled people. I know that the Government is looking to improve the assessment system further and I look forward to the Government's response to the Health and Disability Green Paper, which is expected by the end of the year.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.