Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department plans to exempt veterans who are amputees from repeat Personal Independence Payment assessments.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards, including the rate payable and the duration, are set on an individual basis, based on the claimant’s needs and the likelihood of those needs changing. Regular reviews are a key feature of the benefit and ensure that payments accurately match the current needs of claimants. Award durations can vary from nine months to an on-going award, with a light touch review at the ten-year point.

For most claimants over 25, their first review will be a minimum of 3 years and, assuming they remain entitled, 5 years for their next review.

We know PIP can be improved, which is why we launched the Timms Review, working with disabled people and their organisations to ensure the benefit is fit for the future. We launched a Call for Evidence that closed last week and are beginning to carefully consider and analyse the responses provided. We have also outlined a varied approach to evidence gathering so people can share their views on how the benefit should be reformed.