The DWP is warning that 424,000 people on PIP will have their payments cut

Almost half a million people claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are facing a cut in the amount they receive each week following major government changes. A huge overhaul of the welfare system is being proposed in a bid to reduce the amount spent on paying benefits.

It will involve eliminating cash payments for some claimants. The proposals sparked a major backlash from disability charities.

The DWP has provided more information on how some claimants may be affected. Changes to the Work Capability Assessment will reduce the number of people who qualify for the highest level of support by 424,000, ministers say.

READ MORE: Five PIP changes every claimant needs to know about as DWP confirms plans for huge shake-up

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A number of claimants and charities have already raised serious concerns about the proposals. The government wants more people on benefits who can to work in a bid to reduce the welfare bill.

They said people on the highest level of disability benefits would “receive personalized support to prepare for work”, while promising protection for claimants to try to work “without fear of losing their benefits “. Ministers are proposing a change to the current blanket payment system because they believe not everyone on PIP, worth up to £184 a week and paid to those with conditions that mean they need help with everyday tasks, should to continue receiving money.

Instead, they prefer a more targeted approach in an attempt to prevent money from being wasted. People with certain conditions could see payments removed and be directed to treatment services, despite existing concerns about the power of mental health services.

For others, grants or vouchers could replace payments. The plans are currently being consulted on until the end of July.

The Government said: “Our reforms to work capacity assessment are expected to reduce the number of people on the highest level of incapacity benefit by 424,000, who will now receive tailored support to prepare for work, while Our Work Chance Guarantee will mean people can try to work without fear of losing their benefits.”