DWP issues update due to concerns that some may become ‘ineligible’ for PIP

Many fear they could lose support for vital benefits because of changes to personal independence assessments. Their concerns have now been addressed by the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ), who have issued another update.

Plans to reform the benefits system, which could affect millions of disabled people, were revealed last month. Although the proposals, which come from a government green paper, are at an early stage, they could see regular personal independence payments (PIP) replaced by one-off grants or vouchers, which could be used to pay for home adaptations or appliances .

The DWP faced questions from Labor MP Imran Hussain, who asked if an assessment had been made of the “potential impact” the proposed reforms to PIP would have on the “mental wellbeing of people who become ineligible as a result”. The MP, who represents Bradford East, also asked if there had been discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care about “the adequacy of the availability of government-funded mental health services”.

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In response, Mims Davies MP, Minister for Disability, Health and Work, said: “Modernising Independent Living Support: The Health and Disability Green Paper looks at different options to reshape the current welfare system so that we can provide more support well targeted to those who need them most. We are considering these options through our 12-week consultation which was published on Monday 29 April and will close at 11.59pm on Monday 22 July.”

Ms Davies said there would then be “further analysis of these options” which would “take into account the potential impacts on applicants with different health conditions”. She added: “There will be no immediate changes to PIP or health assessments. All scheduled PIP assessments and payments will proceed as normal and claimants should continue to work as usual and provide any necessary information or updates about their circumstances.”

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis also spoke out last week to allay fears that any changes would be imminent, reports WalesOnline. He said the plans were at an early stage and that “nothing has happened”, adding: These things are not fast, if they happen, and this is a general election year – so whether it will happen is a question.

“This type of debate is given attention to make political news and to put clear water between the parties in an election year. Unfortunately, doing this in mental health can have a real human impact, scaring people about changes that may never happen. So if you’re worried about that, although I know it’s easy said and hard done, forget it – it’s still political hot air for now.”