Dwp 'tweaking' cuts to pip and universal credit benefits in major boost

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) alongside Labour government ministers are mulling over adjustments to ease welfare cuts ahead of a crucial vote. Following a significant pushback

from over 100 Labour MPs, there could be softening measures for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit reductions. The Government is considering an alteration that could

permit as many as 200,000 individuals to retain their disability benefits by modifying the assessment regulations. The Financial Times has disclosed that among the changes under review is a

revision of the proposed PIP assessment criteria. This modification would enable claimants with a high aggregate score to remain qualified, even without achieving at least four points in any

singular category. According to a source speaking to the Guardian, this is "an option they're considering". An additional adjustment under contemplation could afford more

time to those who lose access to one disability benefit to seek other potential support. These discussions occur as it has recently been revealed that a US-based company assessing UK

disability benefits eligibility reported a profit surge of 23 percent. Maximus, operating through its British branch, stands as the major provider of functional assessment services for the

DWP, reports Birmingham Live. A spokesperson for Maximus commented: "The figures ... represent the entirety of our business in the UK, which delivers employment, skills, health and

customer services contracts for a range of commissioners. We are proud to employ more than 5,000 colleagues across the country and continue to invest in our UK operations. "We are

committed to delivering an expert, respectful and sensitive service to customers. Maximus has delivered health assessments on behalf of the DWP since 2015. In that time, we have invested in

specialist training, reduced the amount of time a customer spends in the assessment process, and provided additional support to make the process more accessible. "We have achieved

year-on-year improvements in customer satisfaction by working in collaboration with charities and expert partners, seeking feedback and continuously improving the service we provide."

Meanwhile, a DWP spokesperson stated: "All Pip assessments are independently audited to ensure claimants are receiving the same high-quality service, regardless of which contractor

conducts it. "To support this further, contractors are appointed through an open, transparent, and competitive process, and we monitor their performance closely and ensure they

consistently meet the standard required."