The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it will "provide an update shortly" on the feedback it received over the summer regarding the proposed review of changes to the eligibility process for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, will co-produce the review with contributions from disabled individuals, organisations, experts and other stakeholders.

Earlier this year, the DWP also confirmed that PIP payments will continue to rise annually in line with the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, which is set to see 3.8 million claimants receive a 3.8 per cent uplift. However, PIP assessments are expected to change and the eligibility criteria is predicted to become more stringent in order to curb the escalating costs of the non-means-tested disability benefit.

Under the proposals - currently paused until the completion of Timms' review next Autumn - to qualify for the daily living component of PIP, new and existing claimants will need to score four points in at least one of the 10 questions - and at least another four (in any combination) across the remaining sections - to qualify for the standard rate.

To assist those who may be somewhat perplexed by the proposed change, the team of benefits experts at the independent forum Benefits and Work, have adjusted their online 'PIP test' to include the proposed new scoring system. It is crucial to note that the DWP has not altered the PIP claims or eligibility process. This is merely an online tool designed to help PIP claimants understand how any changes might impact their award, reports the Daily Record.

Benefits and Work also offers a PIP test in line with the current DWP eligibility policy to assist anyone with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition, considering making a new claim understand the points scoring system. You can view this version here.

The Benefits and Work website clarifies: "We know from comments and emails that a lot of people are confused about how Labour's proposed new PIP scoring system works. So we've created an online test to allow you to try the scoring system for yourself. You can try the test as many times as you want either anonymously or, if you prefer, provide your email address and get the results sent to your inbox as well as appearing onscreen."

It is also crucial to remember that the proposed changes will not affect the mobility component; it will remain unchanged.

DWP pledges update 'soon' on PIP payments review