PIP delays leave Disabled people hundreds of millions of pounds out of pocket

Hundreds of thousands of Disabled people are having to wait for £300 million of vital support because of delays to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications, according to new analysis from Citizens Advice.

Citizens Advice said: “PIP, which can see people with an illness, disability or mental health condition receive up to £157 a week, is a lifeline for millions of people.

“But the waiting list for an assessment now stands at 327,000 Disabled people, with an average waiting time of 5 months. Citizens Advice projects this means £294 million of payments that would be awarded are being held up.

“Waiting for this payment is having a huge impact on people. Delays in assessment mean that support is held up, forcing people into impossible choices as they try to make ends meet.”

Read more on the PIP backlogs on the Disability Rights Uk website, here.