The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced plans to increase the number of face-to-face assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) this year. The move aims to enhance the accuracy of assessments and reduce the number of disputes, following concerns about the effectiveness of remote evaluations.

DWP disability minister Stephen Timms has revealed that “The FAS suppliers are also increasing their capacity to deliver more face-to-face assessments, and the department expects the reported percentage of face-to-face assessments to increase towards Autumn 2025.”

Many PIP assessments have been conducted remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic, using telephone and video calls. While this provided convenience for some claimants, concerns have been raised about the ability of assessors to accurately evaluate complex health conditions without in-person interaction.

While the DWP believe in-person assessments will lead to more accurate decisions, we know that many claimants that we deal with on a daily basis worry about the shift. Individuals with mobility impairments, mental health conditions, or fluctuating illnesses may find travel and face-to-face interactions particularly challenging making symptoms even worse.

If you are worried about this shift, please remember that we are here for you. We have dealt with hundreds of face to face assessments in the pre covid times and we have lots of resources that can help you. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you fee that you need support.