Changes are being made to the eligibility criteria for PIP while potential cuts could hit access support for daily living and mobility – disabled people across the UK have voiced their fears about the news
Disabled people across the UK have voiced their fears about the government’s potential cuts to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system. Changes are being made to the eligibility criteria while potential cuts could hit their access support for daily living and mobility.
Rahima Begum, 27 from London, has a mild learning disability and cerebral palsy. She is non-verbal and uses an eye gaze computer to communicate. She is on the higher rate of PIP and not able to work because of the disability. She said: “I had to shift from DLA to PIP and I still remember the review I had to go through, and honestly, it felt like a never-ending struggle.
“One of the most frustrating moments was when my sister spoke with an assessor on the phone and explained that I couldn’t speak for myself. But instead of understanding, they just hung up, saying my sister couldn’t speak on my behalf. It was incredibly disheartening for all of us.
“It feels like the whole system is set up to make us constantly prove ourselves. They’re reviewing existing claimants like us, asking us to demonstrate again and again that daily living is a challenge, and that we can’t simply go to work.
“It’s this constant need to prove that we’re struggling, even when it feels like we can’t catch a break. People are already struggling with the rising costs of living, and it feels impossible to make ends meet, yet the system still demands we show evidence that we need help.
“My PIP payments do help in some ways, though, specifically with daily living and mobility. I’m really worried about the proposed cuts to PIP – it already took so much for me to get to where I am and the very basics of what I need. I can’t believe the government is now trying to make things harder for disabled people like me.”
Charlotte Easton, 40, from Hertfordshire, is blind, hearing impaired and has Pfeiffer syndrome and hydrocephalus and receives ESA and PIP benefits. She is terrified about the prospect of her benefits being cut.
She said: “My Nan always told me Labour was the party of the people, but since all this started trickling out, I don’t know? The payments cover my disability car and go towards other bills. The bills are going up more and more, it all gets swallowed up. I’m not 100% about what will happen, but if my money is cut I may have to move, to downsize.
“I listened to the statement last week and Rachel Reeves today, but I’m still in limbo. I don’t know anyone in a similar position to me who understands what’s going to happen.
“It’s all about the economy, but if they want to grow the economy then people are going to need money. I’ve done little bits of work and I would like a 9-5 job, but it’s difficult.
“I hear people saying they should tax the wealthy rather than take money off the disabled. I’m sure there are a few wealthy people who wouldn’t mind paying a few more pence, especially the more charitable ones.
“I see the MPs have got their pay rise. I heard someone on the radio saying it isn’t them who set it. They all say they don’t want it, but they don’t seem bothered about taking it.
“I was talking to my mum about it all and she was saying ‘there’s no need to worry’. She said I’d make myself ill. But you do get worried, I wouldn’t like this to be happening to anyone else.”
Thirugnanam Sureshan, 52, lives with his wife in East Sussex. In 2008 he developed Charcot feet, which affects the joints, bones and tissues in the foot. As a result of this, and having type 2 diabetes, his left leg was amputated in 2022. He receives PIP, ESA and Carers Allowance.
He said: “I’m going to be affected by the government’s plans. My payments help cover my bills and what I need for my diabetes, which is very expensive. My water bills and electricity keep going up.
“The system makes it difficult enough, why are they making it more difficult? I’ve been assessed by private doctors twice, they cost £800 each time. Why don’t they trust the medical reports?
“They are cutting people’s living standards. The stress is getting worse for people, people in the same situation as me. I’ve been told I’ll have to go for more interviews, more paperwork.
“When he came into power Starmer didn’t tell us all this was going to happen. He told us it was going to be a different way. Everything is upside down. People are being screwed.
“Bills are going up again and they’re threatening to take money from us. There’s going to be less money to pay them.
“I do work as a volunteer, I speak to people on the phone through NHS reference, people in similar positions to me. I have worked and paid tax, but it’s not possible now. I’m worried about what will happen. They said they wouldn’t go back to austerity, but that is what they’re doing.”
