A MAJOR change to benefits could see thousands of households get essential payments quicker.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is trialling the use of online applications for new personal independence payments (PIP) claims.

The service is being offered to 60 new claimants per day who call the PIP helpline to apply for the benefit.

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) is a disability benefit that is given to those with long-term mental or physical health problems or disabilities.

Nearly three million claimants are entitled to PIP in England and Wales.

Most households that think they're eligible for PIP are encouraged to apply by calling the claim helpline on 0800 917 2222.

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You'll then be sent a form that asks about your condition and you'll have to return this in the post.

But Tom Pursglove MP, DWP minister for disabled people, talked about the new online application scheme in a recent written response to Labour MP, Seema Malhotra.

He also shared details of people most likely to be invited to complete their application using the online service as the trial grows.

Mr Pursglove said: "We are currently operating a small-scale test of the new online apply service for PIP as a limited service, initially offering it to a small number of claimants who call the phone line to begin their claim for PIP.

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"Currently, we are offering the service to 60 claimants a day. Call agents offer the voluntary option to claim online to claimants within scope of the current service until the daily limit is met."

The DWP has said that the following groups of people will begin to be included as it grows the scope of the service:

• Anyone applying in an official capacity (e.g. appointees)
• Anyone with a Welsh or Northern Ireland postcode
• Anyone applying for special rules
• Anyone with a previous or existing PIP or DLA claim
• Those without a National Insurance number or with a GY or JY postcode.

The DWP will gradually increase the service availability over the coming months.

But this isn't the only change coming to PIP payments over the following months.

What other PIP changes are coming?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is introducing a brand new "light-touch" PIP review from this month.

The new simplified form will be used to assess a long-term claimant's eligibility for the benefit.

PIP was first introduced back in 2013 and awards typically last between nine months and 10 years.

Nearly three million claimants are entitled to PIP in England and Wales.

Those who originally qualified for a 10-year PIP award back in 2013 are now ready to have their claims reviewed.

But unlike the usual 16-page award review form that's issued to those with shorter-term PIP awards, thousands of those with 10-year awards will only need to complete shorter six page form.

The DWP also told The Sun that in most cases it does not expect that an assessment with a healthcare professional will be required either.

But claimants on 10-year awards aren't the only PIP recipients to take part in the "light touch" process.

Most people receiving PIP that reach the State Pension age end up moving onto ongoing awards, and will soon start receiving these "light touch" review forms too, according to the DWP.

Hundreds of claimants should look out for these new forms in the post over the coming months to ensure that they don't risk having their payments cut.

Thousands more will be handed the simpler review when their awards come up for renewal too over the coming year.

We've previously explained how PIP claims are reviewed depending on your circumstances.

What is PIP?

Millions suffering from long-term health conditions or disabilities get extra cash help through personal independence payments (PIP).

You can get PIP even if you're working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

The payments can be worth up to £172.75 a week, so if you don't claim it already, check to see if you're eligible.

PIP is available to those aged 16 or over but no fresh claims can be made if you've reached the State Pension age.

The current state pension age is 66 but this is set to rise to 68.

Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).

Difficulties with daily living can include:

• Preparing or eating food
• Washing, bathing and using the toilet
• Dressing and undressing
• Reading and communicating
• Managing your medicines or treatments
• Making decisions about money
• Engaging with other people

You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment.

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If you receive constant attendance allowance you will receive less of the daily living part of PIP.

If you get war pensioners' mobility supplement you will not get the mobility part of PIP.

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