To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the impact of phone-based applications for Personal Independence Payment on people with energy-impaired illnesses.
Answered on
8 December 2023
We recognise that even short calls can be stressful or difficult for some claimants with certain types of conditions. We therefore offer a number of alternatives:
We can issue a clerical form, known as a PIP1, which claimants can complete and return by post.
Claims to PIP can also be made by via the Video Relay Service (via Relay UK) for BSL users if someone can’t hear or speak on the phone, or via email/accessible forms for those that need that as a reasonable adjustment.
In addition, we aim to make online applications for PIP available nationally by the end of 2024.
We inform claimants of all these channel options on Gov.UK, or if claimants explain their requirements when they speak to a new claim telephony agent.