Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): The Minister for Communities to detail any assessment his Department has made of whether the current Personal Independence Payment assessment process adequately reflects the needs and circumstances of claimants with (i) autism; and (ii) learning disabilities.
Minister for Communities: The Department recognises that people with autism and learning difficulties, may face additional challenges when engaging with the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application and assessment process. In response, improvements have been made which include providing clearer easy-read guidance, early signposting to independent advice groups and the Department’s Make the Call service, and the option to be supported by a family member, friend, adviser or representative. Where an individual is unable to manage their own affairs, an appointee may act on their behalf.
The Department is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all customers and uses insight from customers, stakeholders and representative organisations to identify opportunities to better meet the needs of people with mental health and neurodivergent conditions.
In addition, the Department for Work and Pensions has undertaken research into the experiences of PIP applicants with autism, to identify opportunities to improve the customer journey and reduce anxiety associated with the process. The findings are being used to inform future service development.
ENDS
