DWP PIP claimants may be forced to ‘prove’ their purchases

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may ask PIP claimants to prove their purchases in a new crackdown. The proposed changes could see the introduction of a ‘letter of proof’ system, replacing cash payments with a receipt-based system.

Under this system, claimants would purchase aids, appliances or services themselves and then provide proof of purchase to claim back a contribution to the cost. This is similar to the Access to Work scheme, which provides grants for equipment, adaptations and other costs to help disabled people start and stay in work.

The green paper states: “People are now encouraged to submit their own evidence such as hospital letters or care plans to support their claim. If further evidence is required, the assessment provider contacts the GP or hospital via a further information form. But this form is often not returned or contains limited information.

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“With improved digitization of the NHS, it now often shares hospital letters by post or online services with patients, and people now have access to their own health records through the NHS app. We would like to know whether this access to documentation could be better used as evidence of a health condition or disability to support the PIP eligibility assessment,” reports Birmingham Live.

The green paper was launched last week amid a crackdown on benefits by the DWP. One person responded to the move with frustration, stating: “There are so many scams from foreign sources and it would be too difficult and too much work for the DWP to even begin to sort them out! It’s standard procedure to hit. on those who cannot fight back!”

Another person expressed their anger, saying: “Vouchers instead of cash is a disaster in so many ways. Namely, it will stigmatize people with disabilities. Using vouchers to get carers or supplies will tell everyone you’re dealing with your financial situation. How is this. fair?… Second, people with disabilities are targeted in schools, workplaces and society in general.”

They added: “Vouchers will open people up to discrimination as many people will know they are claiming benefits when they might otherwise have been self-funded. Why should foreigners have information about sick people?”.

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