The DWP has announced plans to overhaul the PIP system, but many are concerned that the changes could lead to people losing out on vital financial support
Those reliant on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are gripped with concern they might be stripped of crucial funds that help the disabled lead standard lives. In a controversial move, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall unveiled sweeping reforms yesterday, aimed at trimming the benefits budget and steering more people into employment.
But critics warn these proposed cuts – which aim to withhold a hefty £5 billion from the PIP kitty managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – might unjustly deprive needy recipients of their lifeline. The website Benefits and Work has put together a test reflecting the anticipated changes.
It said: “The mobility component remains the same. However, for the daily living component, whilst you must still score: 8 points for standard rate and 12 points for enhanced rate.
“At least one of the descriptors you select must score 4 points or more. So, if you select 4 descriptors scoring two points each, that will be 8 points but it will not qualify for an award. But if you select one descriptor scoring 4 points and two descriptors scoring 2 points, that will be 8 points and you will qualify for an award.” To take the test click here:
The changes, if they ever happen, will not apply before November 2026. For information about the PIP test Citizens Advice has prepared an extensive guide which can be seen here.
When you receive the form, you have 1 month to complete it. If you need more time, call the DWP and ask for an extension.
The form has questions about your care and mobility needs. These include:
- preparing food
- eating food
- washing and bathing
- using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- reading
- communicating with speech
- managing your medicines or treatment
- making decisions about money
- engaging with other people
- planning and following a journey
- moving around
The government said that it is changing PIP eligibility by making it targeted more on those with higher needs by requiring a minimum of four points on one daily living activity, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria. It said DWP will work with Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that existing people who claim PIP who may no longer be entitled to the benefit following an award review under new eligibility rules have their health and eligible care needs met. The government is consulting on how best to achieve this.
PIP is assessed on how your condition affects you day to day. You can receive PIP without a diagnosis. You can get support to fill out your form. Making the changes this week the DWP said since the pandemic, the number of working-age people receiving PIP has more than doubled from 15,300 to 35,100 a month. The number of young people (16-24) receiving PIP per month has also skyrocketed from 2,967 to 7,857 a month. Over the next five years, if no action is taken, the number of working age people claiming PIP is expected to increase from 2 million in 2021 to 4.3 million, costing £34.1 billion annually.
This has driven the spiralling health and disability benefits bill, forecast to reach £70 billion a year by the end of the decade, or more than £1 billion a week. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Our social security system must be there for all of us when we need it, now and into the future. That means helping people who can work to do so, protecting those most in need, and delivering respect and dignity for all.
“Millions of people have been locked out of work, and we can do better for them. Disabled people and those with health conditions who can work deserve the same choices and chances as everyone else. That’s why we’re introducing the most far-reaching reforms in a generation, with £1 billion a year being invested in tailored support that can be adapted to meet their changing circumstances – including their changing health – while also scrapping the failed Work Capability Assessment.
“This will mean fairness for disabled people and those with long term health conditions, but also for the taxpayers who fund it as these measures bring down the benefits bill. At the same time, we will ensure that our welfare system protects people. There will always be some people who cannot work because of their disability or health condition. Protecting people in need is a principle we will never compromise on.”