Cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) by the Government would have a huge impact on some of the “most vulnerable” people, the Government has been told. It comes amid reports ministers are planning to slash the DWP budget and undertake a major overhaul of PIP.
The disability benefit is worth up to £184 a week for those who require assistance getting around or completing daily tasks in the home. The Government is carrying out a review of the welfare system and is determined to cut the benefits bill.
It’s thought this will involve a shake-up of PIP. Rules over who can get the benefit could be tightened, while applicants may also have to provide more medical evidence in order to be approved for payments.
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Uncertainty over the future of PIP has sparked fears about the potential impact on applicants. People who claim the benefit can get up to £9,600 a year to cover the additional costs of living with a disability or health problem.
But a huge surge in people claiming for mental health problems over the last few years has sent overall costs to the Government spiralling – with 5,300 new payments for mental health disability a month in 2023. Finance experts Spencer Churchill Claims Advice said: “Cutting Personal Independence Payments would be a concerning move, particularly as this vital benefit provides up to £9,600 a year for those with disabilities.
“Any reductions would disproportionately affect some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, potentially pushing them further into financial hardship. We urge the government to carefully consider the broader social impact of such measures.”
A DWP spokesman said: “We don’t comment on speculation. We have been clear that the current benefits system needs reform so it is fairer on the taxpayer and people get the support they need to move into work.”