The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment guide has been updated, introducing several changes including an extension to the criteria for Special Rules for End of Life (SREL) claims. Under the revised guidance, SREL claims can now be accepted for individuals expected to die from a progressive disease within the next 12 months, an increase from the previous 6-month timeframe.
Further updates include the introduction of guidance on Proportional Assessments for Severe Disability (PASD). This allows for a shortened paper-based assessment in specified circumstances. The guide also now incorporates the Benefits Assessment under Special Rules in Scotland (BASRiS) form as an acceptable form of evidence for PIP Special Rules claims, particularly to support claimants moving from Scotland to England or Wales.
Other changes involve stylistic adjustments to align with new PIP forms and the PIP handbook, and updates to protect vulnerable claimants. The guidance on harmful information and the approvals process for health professionals have also been clarified.