Latest news with #DepartmentforWorkandPensions
The National
5 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Heat gets to MPs' heads as they daydream about ousting Keir Starmer
IT feels increasingly like people are not as switched on in Westminster this weather as perhaps they should be. It may be the heat. My office has the keen disadvantage of catching the sun just as it begins its westward descent towards the end of the day. It could not get hotter unless we had a sunroof installed to catch the midday rays. Has it gone to everyone's heads? Commentators who usually complain about the snail pace of legislation have turned to bemoaning how two major pieces of social change enacted in Westminster this week – the decriminalisation of abortion and the passage of the assisted suicide bill – were rushed. This is not a comment on the merits of either topic, merely a reaffirmation of the veracity of the truism: 'You can't please all the people all the time.' Someone who is finding it difficult to please anyone any of the time is Keir Starmer. His buddy Donald Trump (above) seemed to tire quickly of the Prime Minister's company at the G7 summit this week, leaving abruptly with ominous threats that he could bomb Iran at any moment. Starmer is busy pleading for de-escalation, meanwhile arranging the evacuation of British citizens from Tel Aviv – giving the distinct impression the PM rates peace's chances none too highly. READ MORE: Lisa Nandy 'either dishonest or ignorant' after benefits cuts claim On the home front, he hardly fares better. Vicky Foxcroft whipped her last this week when she dramatically quit on Thursday night, saying she could not back benefits cuts. Department for Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall (below) says that the cuts, expected to save £5 billion, would save the benefits system – worth a cool £326bn, all told – from collapse. Square those sums, if you can. Labour MPs for the most part seem fairly sanguine with the prospect of their official forecast that 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, will be plunged into poverty by the changes. Some have grown a spine, or were lucky enough to have been born with one, and have criticised the cuts. Over them hangs the threat of being 'blacklisted' for government jobs in the future. So much for the 'biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation'. One MP, far from a fan of the Prime Minister, told me this week that they reckon Starmer's time will come – and soon. There are murmurs – falling short of outright chatter – about who would replace Starmer when the men in red ties come for him. But that's getting ahead of ourselves, if you care for my opinion. Does this limp crop of Labour MPs even have it in them to do the necessary scheming to plot an insurgency? Say what you want about the Tories but at least they had a taste for cloaks and daggers. Starmer's lot seem more like they'd be pushing for parental guidance for reporting on tales of political skulduggery. I think Starmer's high noon is still a long way off. You can get the Worst of Westminster delivered straight to your email inbox every Friday at 6pm for FREE by clicking here.
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
How long PIP payments really last and people most-likely to get a 'light touch' award
Nobody on PIP is given a lifetime payment award from the DWP. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is pushing ahead with proposed plans to reform Personal Independence Payment (PIP), specifically introducing a change to the eligibility rules that will come into force in November 2026 for new and existing claimants. DWP also said existing claimants will only be affected by the change at their next review, after the November implementation date. The latest data shows more than 1.6 million (44%) of all 3.7m PIP claimants have been issued with an award of five years or longer. The data indicates at the end of April, some 1,610,698 people in England, Wales and living abroad, have an ongoing award for a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. Some 65 per cent of people claiming PIP for a visual disease have been issued with an award for five years or more while more than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award, along with 49.5 per cent of people with a neurological condition such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. For people thinking about making a new claim for PIP, or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), it's important to be aware award lengths cary and can last between nine months and up to 10 years, however, DWP data only records awards given up to 'five years or longer'. The current edition of the PIP Handbook explains the decision maker will make an award of PIP based on the impact of the claimant's health condition or disability on their daily life and their ability to live independently. It adds: 'The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances.' It's important to be aware the guidance from the DWP also says most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, 'regardless of the length of the award' in order to make sure 'everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support'. Some claimants will be given a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years - DWP says these awards will not be reviewed. Limited awards with no review date are given where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve. Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age The DWP guidance states: 'These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.' A successful claim for PIP is worth between £29.20 and £187.45 each week during the 2025/26 financial year - some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Over the coming year, this will see people on the highest awards receive £9,747 in extra cash help. It's important to be aware the maximum amount of £749.80 is based on someone in receipt of the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components. Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer It's important to be aware people with different health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or longer. The award is based on how the condition affects the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of April 2025. Visual disease 58,960 38,112 Musculoskeletal disease (general) 707,084 365,238 52% Neurological disease 476,659 252,214 Respiratory disease 138,428 66,647 Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) 20,198 9,310 Musculoskeletal disease (regional) 447,794 202.317 46% Total number of PIP claimants 3,744,671 1,631,688 44% Below is an overview of PIP and ADP. Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Full guidance on ADP can be found on the website here. Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP? To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people working out a route and following it physically moving around leaving your home There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here. DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How are PIP and ADP paid? PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. PIP and ADP payment rates You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP is made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05 How you are assessed You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant - find out more about the changes here. How do you make a claim for PIP? You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital How to apply for ADP People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Take online 'PIP test' to see if DWP changes next year could affect your payments
An independent benefits forum has updated its online PIP test to include proposed changes to the daily living component. The planned welfare reforms from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have left many people on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit worried about the future of their payment award. If the proposals are passed into legislation this November, they will come into force in November 2026. PIP payments will continue to rise each year in-line with the September Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) rate, however, assessments will change and the eligibility criteria is set to get tougher. To qualify for the daily living component of PIP, new and existing claimants will need to score four points in at least one of the 10 questions - and at least another four (in any combination) across the rest of the sections - to qualify for the standard rate. To help people who may be a bit confused by the proposed change, the team of benefits experts at the independent forum Benefits and Work, have tweaked their online 'PIP test' to incorporate the proposed scoring system. This will help people find out whether they would qualify for the daily living component before the planned changes are implemented. The Benefits and Work website explains: 'We know from comments and emails that a lot of people are confused about how Labour's proposed new PIP scoring system works. So we've created an online test to allow you to try the scoring system for yourself. 'You can try the test as many times as you want either anonymously or, if you prefer, provide your email address and get the results sent to your inbox as well as appearing onscreen.' It's important to be aware the proposed changes will not be applied to the mobility component, it will remain the same. Nearly 500,000 people in Scotland in receipt of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) will not be affected by changes to PIP. All remaining PIP claimants living in Scotland will transfer to the devolved IT system before the end of this year. There are 10 questions on the daily living part of the PIP 2 evidence form. Each of the questions has a list of responses, known as descriptors, whichever descriptor you choose is awarded points. To qualify for the daily living component, you need at least eight points for the standard rate and 12 or more for the enhanced rate. But you would need to get a score of at least four in one of those questions to qualify. Benefits and Work explained: 'If you select 4 descriptors scoring two points each, that will be 8 points but it will not qualify for an award. 'But if you select one descriptor scoring 4 points and two descriptors scoring 2 points, that will be 8 points and you will qualify for an award.' You can take the new 'PIP test' online here. The latest figures from the DWP show at the end of April more that 3.7 million people were in claim for PIP, which is now worth between £114.8 and £737.20 every four weeks. Daily living component for PIP You might get the daily living component of PIP if you need help with: eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people How difficulty with tasks is assessed The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task, the DWP will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment The descriptors Your ability to carry out each activity is measured against a list of standard statements describing what you can or cannot do. These are known as the descriptors. The health professional will advise the DWP which descriptor applies to you for each activity. The Citizen's Advice website has a whole section dedicated to this along with a downloadable guide to all the points awarded for each response - you can view this here. An example they use is there are six descriptors for 'Dressing and undressing', ranging from 'Can dress and undress unaided' to 'Cannot dress or undress at all'. Each descriptor carries a points score ranging from 0 to 12. Using aids or appliances Your ability to carry out the daily living activities and the mobility activities will be assessed as if you were wearing or using any aids or appliances it would be reasonable for you to use. This applies whether or not you normally use those aids or appliances. However, if you use or need aids and appliances, this can help you to score more points - find out more here. Citizens Advice explains: 'An aid is any item which improves, provides or replaces impaired physical or mental function. It doesn't have to be specially designed as a disability aid. Examples include a stool you need to sit on when cooking, or a walking stick to help you stand.' Daily living scores Citizens Advice explains to get the daily living component of PIP, you must have a physical or mental condition that limits your ability to carry out some or all of the activities below. The maximum amount of PIP points that can be awarded for that question are shown. Daily living activity: Preparing food - 8 Taking medication - 10 Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition - 8 Washing and bathing - 8 Managing toilet needs or incontinence - 8 Dressing and undressing - 8 Communicating verbally - 12 Reading and understanding symbols and words - 8 Engaging with other people face to face - 8 Making budgeting decisions - 6 PIP payment rates A successful claim for PIP is currently worth between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support. As the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £114.80 and £737.20 every payment period. You will be paid the following amounts per week, depending on your award level: Daily Living Component Enhanced: £110.40 Standard: £73.90 Mobility Component Enhanced: £77.05 Standard: £29.20 Article continues below Find out more about PIP on here.
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP breaks down Pension Credit barriers to help people claim £4,300 boost
A successful new claim for Pension Credit can unlock access to help with housing costs and Council Tax bills. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? To help more people over State Pension age access additional financial support over the coming months, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing its efforts to increase take-up of an income-related benefit worth over £4,300 this year. More than 700,000 older people are estimated to be entitled to Pension Credit, but not claiming it as they wrongly believe that because they have savings or own their own home they would not be eligible for the income top-up. Pension Credit can provide a top-up for single people on the New State Pension who have a total weekly income below £227.10, or couples with a combined weekly income of less than £346.60. There are currently 1.4 million people receiving additional financial support through Pension Credit, including over 125,000 living in Scotland. The Scottish and UK Governments have announced that all pensioners born before September 22, 1959 with an income below £35,000 will receive winter heating help this year. Pension Age Winter Fuel Payments will be issued to Scots on November 30. Pensioner households aged between 66 and 79 will receive £203.40, while those aged 80 and over will be paid £305.10. Winter Fuel Payments will be issued to pensioners in England Wales. Pensioner households aged between 66 and 79 will receive £200, while those aged 80 and over will be paid £300. Even though winter energy bill help will be issued to the majority of pensioners this year, there are still benefits to claiming Pension Credit - access to the £150 Warm Home Discount Scheme, help with housing costs, Council Tax discounts and free TV licences for the over-75s. Barriers to claiming Pension Credit The DWP aims to break down barriers to claiming and busts some of the most common myths people may have to encourage them to think again about applying. Older people may wrongly think they are not eligible because they: have savings own their own home may be working may be getting a small occupational pension may have been turned down in the past Other factors may be that they: do not want to be seen as needing to claim feel that they're able to manage do not think it's worth applying - as the amount they get will be very small do not recognise themselves as a Pension Credit claimant have not got around to it think it's a complex and confusing subject already get other help and do not want to mess up the benefits they are getting Eight Pension Credit myths busted Having listed some of the main reasons people of State Pension age may be put off from claiming Pension Credit, the DWP has also busted eight common myths about the benefit. They do not think they will be eligible for Pension Credit False - some 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 living in Scotland currently receive the extra financial support. They would get so little that it's not worth claiming False - DWP says the average Pension Credit payment is actually over £75 per week - that's well over an extra £3,900 per year. Plus, getting Pension Credit can provide a passport to help with things like rent, Council Tax, Winter Fuel Payment, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only), Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only), Cold Weather Payments (not Scotland) and a free TV licence for people aged 75 and over. They have savings, so will not qualify False - DWP explains that people can have savings or another pension and still get extra money. Unlike other income related benefits like Universal Credit, there is no capital cut-off limit and for Pension Credit savings of under £10,000 are ignored. They own their own home, so will not qualify False - DWP explains that homeowners can get Pension Credit too and that almost half of the people who get Pension Credit own their own home. They are not eligible for Pension Credit - it's for 'old' people False - People can claim as soon as they reach the qualifying age, which is now State Pension age - 66 for both men and women. They cannot get a State Pension, so they will not be eligible False - DWP said that they may be entitled to Pension Credit - even if they're not entitled to a State Pension. They have been turned down for Pension Credit before, so it's not worth applying again False - DWP said that personal circumstances could have changed and their income or capital may have changed as a result. The first £10,000 of savings will be ignored when working out if someone can get Pension Credit. It is too complicated and claiming is not worth the effort False - DWP has simplified the process and people can claim with one free phone call to the Pension Credit claim line. However, there are other ways to claim such as a paper claim form, which can be downloaded from the website or an online claim can be made - find out more here. Pension Credit Help to claim Quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it, how much you could get and where to get help filling in the form. Who can claim Pension Credit? There are two types of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be State Pension age (66). Your weekly income will need to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on. This is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple - this amount could be higher if you're disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs. You can only get Savings Credit if: you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it you have qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a couple How much could you receive from DWP? Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to: £227.10 for a single person £346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting) You might be able to get more than this if you're disabled or a carer, or you have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can give you up to: £17.30 a week for a single person £19.36 a week for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting). The exact amount you'll get depends on your income and savings. Your income includes assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim Article continues below To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
DWP free bus passes in England and full list of everyone eligible
Amid controversial plans to cut disability benefits, many Brits are worried they'll lose their free bus pass. However, reports suggest millions may still be entitled to the perk Millions of Brits may still be eligible for a free bus pass, even if controversial cuts to disability benefits passes through parliament. The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which has been described as 'catastrophic' by charities, aims to slash a staggering £5 billion from the welfare bill by 2030. Dozens of Labour MPs are poised to rebel against the brutal cuts when the bill is put to the vote in the coming weeks. However, even if these changes to disability benefit eligibility become law - many Brits could still benefit from free travel. According to Chronicle Live, the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, which is dependent on disability benefit eligibility, could continue to offer free bus passes to those who have lost their benefit claim under new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rules. READ MORE: Warm Home Discount explained as 2.7million households set for £150 energy help Following concerns that swathes of disabled people risk losing their right to a free bus pass amid the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) shakeup, reports suggest the wording of the Green Paper proposals implies that even if you lose your PIP, you might still be eligible for the concessionary travel scheme pass. Eligibility for the disabled concessionary travel scheme, offering free bus rides across England, traditionally hinges on PIP criteria. If you're eligible for the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP due to mobility issues, you're eligible for a pass even if you don't receive any payment from it. Other routes to a cost-free travel card include being of State Pension age, being a caregiver, or falling under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme banner. For those with disabilities, snagging a pass spells savings, benefits cuts notwithstanding. Grounds for a free travel pass also include being over State Pension age, a carer, or qualifying under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Applying as a disabled person is a cost-saving measure, even if benefits are cut. Eligibility for a reduced cost or free travel pass includes:. An older person who has reached their 66th birthday (current state pension age) Someone with a learning, speech, visual or physical disability under pensionable age A carer companion to someone who couldn't travel without your help Qualify under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme For disability qualification, you must have had a PIP assessment and show evidence of receiving the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP, or have scored at least eight points in "moving around" or "communicating verbally", reports Chronicle Live. Alternatively, presenting the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance can support your application. If you want to qualify as a disabled person for the scheme, you will still need to meet strict criteria. This includes being: chronically sick and disabled and suffering from any disability which permanently and seriously impairs your ability to walk permanently blind and unable to perform any duties for which sight is required assessed as having learning disabilities registered as profoundly deaf, with or without speech without the use of both arms, whether through the absence of limbs or otherwise unable to drive having had a driving license refused or revoked on medical grounds registered as partially sighted (where disability can be assessed by a Consultant Ophthalmologist) As previously reported, Londoners are also entitled to free travel when they turn 60 - using the 60+ London Oyster photocard. This is restricted to journeys within the city and includes: Free travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line (excluding between West Drayton and Reading) and most National Rail services in London. You can travel free on TfL services anytime Monday to Friday, except between 04:30-09:00. You can travel free anytime at weekends and on bank holidays. Discounted fares on River on Santander Cycle Hire.
