Social Security Benefits: Autism
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of decision-making in cases involving Autism Spectrum Disorder in disability benefit assessments.
Answered by Sir Stephen Timms
The Personal Independent Payment (PIP) assessment is a functional assessment, which focuses on how an individual’s health condition or disability affects their ability to carry out a range of daily living and mobility activities. PIP is not awarded based on a diagnosis, instead, entitlement is determined by the functional impact a person’s condition has on their daily lives and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
To ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future, the Government has launched the Timms Review. The Timms Review aims to ensure we have a system that supports disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence, including through employment. The Review is being co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, and other experts. This means the Government will share ownership and responsibility for how the Review runs and what it recommends. The Review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by autumn 2026.
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