DWP rule changes mean some people on PIP could be owed payments of up to £12,865

Millions of people in the UK on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) could be owed up to £12,865 each thanks to rule changes at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP update affects those who are deaf or hearing impaired.

There are currently an estimated 11 million people in the UK who are deaf or hearing impaired, according to hearinglink.org.

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Following the tribunal ruling, from August 21, 2020, there has been a change in how the DWP considers whether someone can wash or bathe safely, as part of the PIP assessment.

If a deaf or hearing impaired claimant is not able to hear a standard fire alarm while washing or bathing, although the risk from a fire is low, the DWP will now consider whether a visual alarm - such as an aid or appliance - is needed, or supervision if a visual alarm would not be appropriate, in order to wash or bathe safely.

New guidance on GOV.UK confirms that the DWP will be reviewing claims made on or after August 21, 2020 including those where PIP was not awarded, reports the Daily Record.

The DWP said: “We are now looking at PIP claims from deaf or hearing impaired people who may be affected by this change. This includes reviewing some claims we decided on or after 21 August 2020, including ones where we did not award PIP.

“We are not planning to ask you to provide any further evidence or invite you for an assessment as part of this review. We will be looking at information we already have about your hearing impairment from your PIP claim.”

The DWP will not look again at your claim if:

The DWP explained: “If we review your claim, we will write to you and you do not need to contact us. It may take some