The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK is making big changes to how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments work. These updates aim to make the system simpler, faster, and fairer for everyone applying for disability support. Starting from September 2024, a new system called the Functional Assessment Services (FAS) will be used for both new and ongoing PIP claims.
The goal of this new model is to reduce stress and improve accuracy in decision-making. Instead of making everyone attend an in-person or phone assessment, the new approach will focus more on using existing medical records. Only if those records are not enough will a claimant be invited to a formal assessment, and even then, they can choose a format that works best for them — paper, video, telephone, or face-to-face.
These updates will not only benefit the claimants but also help the DWP ensure the assessment process is fair and consistent across the country. With better monitoring and more attention to each person’s needs, this new system is expected to offer a smoother experience for people applying for disability benefits.
What Is the New Functional Assessment Services (FAS) Model?
The Functional Assessment Services (FAS) is a new method created to handle PIP and Work Capability Assessments (WCA) more efficiently. The big difference is that now, only one provider will handle assessments in each region. This means fewer delays and less confusion for people who need help with both PIP and WCA.
Key aims of the FAS model:
- Make the process faster and easier for claimants.
- Ensure that only one company is responsible per area, which avoids confusion.
- Help claimants by providing a more organized and consistent service.
- Allow better oversight and responsibility for how assessments are handled.
Shift Toward Paper-Based Assessments
Using Medical Evidence First
One of the most important changes is the increased focus on paper-based assessments. This means the DWP will first try to make decisions using medical documents already available. If this information is clear and complete, no in-person or phone assessment will be needed.
Benefits of paper-based assessments:
- Saves time and effort for claimants.
- Reduces the need for stressful or uncomfortable interviews.
- Speeds up decision-making for most people.
Only if there’s not enough information will the claimant be invited for a further assessment using another format.
Multiple Ways to Be Assessed
Claimants’ Needs Will Be Considered First
Before inviting someone to an assessment, the DWP will check a few important things:
- Can the case be decided using just the medical records?
- Does the claimant need a special type of assessment due to health issues?
- Can the claimant attend any assessment and be scheduled quickly?
Claimants who need help or adjustments — like those with disabilities or communication issues — will have those needs considered before an appointment is set.
Stronger Rules for Assessment Providers
Quality Control and Monitoring
Under the new FAS contract, DWP is watching assessment providers more closely to ensure they follow the rules. This includes:
- Making sure the correct assessment method is used.
- Ensuring fairness, especially when a paper-based assessment is denied.
- Requiring more in-person assessments by late 2025, giving people more choices.
By having strict checks in place, the DWP aims to make sure providers offer accurate, fair assessments that truly match each claimant’s situation.
What This Means for People Applying for PIP
These changes will have a big effect on current and future claimants:
- Fewer people will have to attend unnecessary assessments.
- Claimants with long-term conditions may get faster decisions.
- The process will be more centered around the claimant’s needs and comfort.
- Errors and unfair judgments may reduce, thanks to tighter rules and audits.
To benefit from the new process, claimants are advised to keep their medical evidence updated. This makes it easier to get a paper-based decision and avoid further steps.
Looking Ahead: Future of PIP Assessments
The DWP says it will keep improving the assessment system over time. Changes will be made based on what works best, feedback from claimants, and performance checks. While paper-based reviews are becoming more common, face-to-face meetings will still grow in number, especially for more complex cases.
With the FAS model, the DWP hopes to make disability benefit assessments more fair, fast, and clear for everyone. Claimants should stay informed as more updates and improvements are expected in the coming months.