Huge DWP changes could scrap PIP cash payments for vouchers or grants

A huge change in benefits after the lock-in could see Independent Personal Payments (PIP) scrapped and replaced with a voucher system. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could also introduce a new cataloging method, depending on feedback.

Benefit claimants are being urged to have their say as part of a government green paper which has been launched by the Conservative Party. Currently, PIP payments from the DWP – aimed at people living with various conditions – can add up to £184 a week of support or £9,580 a year.

It is available to people living with various conditions, from illnesses to chronic diseases and disabilities. The government said in its Green Paper on the plans: “This consultation will be open for 12 weeks and we are inviting views from across society to ensure that everyone has the chance to shape the modernization of the welfare system.

“The findings of the consultation, which closes on Tuesday 23 July, will inform future reforms.”

The number of working-age adults claiming benefits for extra costs for disabilities and health conditions has risen since before the pandemic and continues to rise at a rapid pace, the government says.

He hopes the Green Paper will open “a new chapter” in the next generation of welfare reforms. The aim is to reduce costs and target benefits where people with disabilities and health conditions need it most.

The green paper suggests the DWP is considering alternatives to direct cash payments, with the aim of ensuring support is allocated more effectively, reports BirminghamLive. It also refers to international examples of disability benefit systems, providing a review of the different approaches used globally.

Catalog/store layout

In this type of scheme, there would be an approved list from which disabled people could choose items at reduced or no cost. This would probably work better for equipment and aids than for services.

Voucher system

In the voucher scheme, disabled people could receive vouchers to contribute to specific costs. It could work for equipment/aids as well as services.

Andy Cook, chief executive of the Center for Social Justice, said: “As the welfare system now faces the combined challenges of economic inactivity, school absenteeism and mental health, this consultation provides a significant opportunity to shape the future of the welfare state British. “

“We owe it to those who are struggling the hardest to make sure the benefits system gives the best support to those who need it. And with costs skyrocketing, it’s time to bring the welfare system into the post-lockdown era.”

Single grants

These could contribute to specific, significant costs, such as home adaptations or expensive equipment. It could involve a person providing medical evidence of their condition to demonstrate the need for equipment or adaptations.

A receipt-based system

This would involve applicants purchasing aids, appliances or services themselves and then providing proof of their purchase to claim back a contribution to the cost. This could work in a similar way to Access to Work, which provides grants for equipment, adaptations and other costs to help disabled people start and stay in work.

ratings

The consultation also aims to identify whether there are certain groups of people who need more support than they currently receive and whether this support should be monetary or in some other form, such as better access to healthcare – including mental health or physiotherapy services – or increased. the support of local authorities.

Eligibility

Other types of support can take the form of health care, social care and respite services, which they stress are essential to enable people to reach their full potential and maintain their independence.

The paper adds: “We would like to understand whether some people who receive PIP and who have lower or no additional costs may have better outcomes from improved access to treatment and support than from a cash payment.”