Proposed Changes to PIP
The Prime Minister has proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a benefit for disabled people. A consultation is underway, but no immediate changes are expected. The government also plans to review the ‘sick note’ process, which is separate from PIP. We will provide further information on this in next month’s newsletter.
PIP helps cover extra costs faced by disabled people, regardless of their income or employment status. It’s not means-tested and doesn’t assess work capability. Eligibility requires a long-term health condition or impairment causing difficulty with daily tasks or mobility. The government believes PIP costs are unsustainable and proposes reforms like service vouchers, one-off payments for home adaptations, and receipt-based reimbursements. Changes to eligibility criteria and the qualifying period are also suggested, potentially affecting current recipients.
The government argues these changes will provide better outcomes and address extra costs already covered by the NHS or social care.
However, Scope, a disability equality charity, expresses deep concern over these proposals, viewing them as attempts to cut benefits and reduce support to Disabled People. They argue that disabled people face higher living costs and that removing PIP income won’t solve broader societal issues. This is a view supported by Fibromyalgia Friends Together.
These are just proposals, and you can voice your opinion by responding to the consultation at the following website address:
Government Consultation on PIP reforms
We would also encourage you to sign this petition against the changes:
Sign the Organise hosted petition
Your input can help shape the future of PIP and help ensure that all disabled people have the support that they need, in the way they want it, that enables them to live the life that they want.
Read our previous post about ‘Appealing PIP’ here