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Wales Online
2 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP PIP benefit changes announced by government ahead of major shake up
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The government has revealed plans to provide three months' worth of Personal Independent Payment (PIP) benefits to claimants whose subsequent applications are rejected, as outlined in the newly published welfare bill. As part of proposed changes to PIP, the government has introduced additional safeguards for the most vulnerable benefit recipients, which will be enshrined in law. However, the proposed reforms have been met with criticism, being labelled as "cruel" and "unjust". The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, set to be presented to Parliament, includes a 13-week financial safety net for claimants impacted by changes to the PIP daily living component, including those who risk losing Carers Allowance and the carer's element of Universal Credit. According to the government, this temporary protection aims to provide individuals affected by the changes with time to adapt, access tailored employment support, and plan for their future following reassessment and the end of their entitlement. Furthermore, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that over 200,000 individuals with severe, lifelong conditions will be exempt from future reassessments for Universal Credit entitlement. Those meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria, who are deemed unable to work, will not undergo reassessment and will receive the higher rate of UC health top-up, amounting to £97 per week, reports the Manchester Evening News. However, as part of the Bill, the government is planning on cutting the health rate of new Universal Credit claims to £50 from April 2026. It comes after Labour announced its major overhaul to the disability benefit in March, with proposed changes affecting the eligibility criteria of the benefit in a bid to cut down welfare spending. The changes are expected to take effect from November 2026, impacting both new and existing claimants. It has not yet been confirmed how many will be affected by the cuts - however it is thought the changes to PIP will slash benefits for about 800,000 people. In the coming weeks, legislation will also be drafted for a Right to Try Guarantee - meaning that trying work will not lead to a reassessment or award review of your benefit claim. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it. "This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. "This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot - putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change." National disability charity Sense has called the Bill "unjust" and "cruel" and has said it is extremely concerned about these proposed changes to disability benefits. Research from the charity has revealed that half of disabled people with complex needs are already in debt due to benefit payments not going far enough. Chief Executive James Watson-O'Neill said: "The government's proposed cuts to disability benefits will have devastating consequences for disabled people across the country - pushing thousands further into poverty, hardship, and isolation. "Many disabled people already find themselves in debt because current benefits don't stretch far enough. Cutting support further at a time when the cost of living remains high is not only unjust - it is cruel. "We urge MPs to listen to disabled people and reject this legislation. Our welfare system should support those who need it most - not abandon them. "We're especially alarmed by plans to cut the Universal Credit uplift for those with the greatest barriers to work. Many of the disabled people and families we support have told us they're frightened - uncertain how they'll afford food, heating, or other basic needs without this vital support. This comes on top of worrying changes to PIP, which we've heard from many of our disabled staff and community helps them to stay in work." James Taylor, Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope, called the bill 'catastrophic'. He said: "This bill will be catastrophic for disabled people. "Cutting benefits will plunge hundreds of thousands into poverty. Over 800,000 will lose at least some financial support from PIP. It will have a devastating effect on disabled people's health, ability to live independently or work. "A transition period will only temporarily delay a cut and disabled people will continue to be living with extra costs when it comes to an end. "Life costs more if you are disabled, whether or not you are working. The government needs listen to disabled people and change course." Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation, added: "This bill is a disaster for disabled people, and we urge MPs to reject this legislation in its current form. It will take vital financial support away from hundreds of thousands of disabled people, many of whom have mental health problems. Previous austerity measures worsened people's living conditions, undermined their mental health and increased the risk of suicide and premature deaths – and that's likely to be the case here too. "These plans will not help the UK government reduce the number of disabled people out of work. Personal Independence Payment is also granted to disabled people who are in work to help them meet the cost of their disability – and removing this support will make it harder for them to remain in the workforce. The Office for Budget Responsibility has also said there is no robust analysis showing this will encourage anyone to return to the workforce. Given that, our view is that these cuts are counterproductive and cruel. "A more effective alternative for the government would be to move forward with its progressive policies that encourage people to return to work, such as the Right to Try scheme and improvements to support in job centres, and evaluate how these help people return to the workforce. Cutting support for disabled people without knowing that is a recipe for disaster." At Prime Minister's Questions earlier today, Angela Rayner said she knows some people are "fearful" of changes to Personal Independence Payments and carer's allowance, but that Labour will support those who need it. Liberal Democrats deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "Liberal Democrat analysis of the Government's own data suggests that 1.3 million disabled people are at risk of losing some support. So can the Deputy Prime Minister honestly say, hand on heart, that this is a change that one million disabled people and their carers were promised?" Ms Rayner responded: "Labour is the party of work, and also the party of fairness and social justice. We've announced a plan to get Britain working again, and we're clear on the principles and I want to be clear on that. Those who want to work should be able to work, and those who can never work should be protected... "I know how some people are fearful of the changes, but this Labour Government put its values into place and will ensure that people are supported into work where they can and, where they can't, they are supported." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
DWP PIP benefit changes announced by government ahead of major shake up
The government has revealed plans to provide three months' worth of Personal Independent Payment (PIP) benefits to claimants whose subsequent applications are rejected, as outlined in the newly published welfare bill. As part of proposed changes to PIP, the government has introduced additional safeguards for the most vulnerable benefit recipients, which will be enshrined in law. However, the proposed reforms have been met with criticism, being labelled as "cruel" and "unjust". The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, set to be presented to Parliament, includes a 13-week financial safety net for claimants impacted by changes to the PIP daily living component, including those who risk losing Carers Allowance and the carer's element of Universal Credit. According to the government, this temporary protection aims to provide individuals affected by the changes with time to adapt, access tailored employment support, and plan for their future following reassessment and the end of their entitlement. Furthermore, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that over 200,000 individuals with severe, lifelong conditions will be exempt from future reassessments for Universal Credit entitlement. Those meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria, who are deemed unable to work, will not undergo reassessment and will receive the higher rate of UC health top-up, amounting to £97 per week, reports the Manchester Evening News. However, as part of the Bill, the government is planning on cutting the health rate of new Universal Credit claims to £50 from April 2026. It comes after Labour announced its major overhaul to the disability benefit in March, with proposed changes affecting the eligibility criteria of the benefit in a bid to cut down welfare spending. The changes are expected to take effect from November 2026, impacting both new and existing claimants. It has not yet been confirmed how many will be affected by the cuts - however it is thought the changes to PIP will slash benefits for about 800,000 people. In the coming weeks, legislation will also be drafted for a Right to Try Guarantee - meaning that trying work will not lead to a reassessment or award review of your benefit claim. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it. "This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. "This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot - putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change." National disability charity Sense has called the Bill "unjust" and "cruel" and has said it is extremely concerned about these proposed changes to disability benefits. Research from the charity has revealed that half of disabled people with complex needs are already in debt due to benefit payments not going far enough. Chief Executive James Watson-O'Neill said: "The government's proposed cuts to disability benefits will have devastating consequences for disabled people across the country - pushing thousands further into poverty, hardship, and isolation. "Many disabled people already find themselves in debt because current benefits don't stretch far enough. Cutting support further at a time when the cost of living remains high is not only unjust - it is cruel. "We urge MPs to listen to disabled people and reject this legislation. Our welfare system should support those who need it most - not abandon them. "We're especially alarmed by plans to cut the Universal Credit uplift for those with the greatest barriers to work. Many of the disabled people and families we support have told us they're frightened - uncertain how they'll afford food, heating, or other basic needs without this vital support. This comes on top of worrying changes to PIP, which we've heard from many of our disabled staff and community helps them to stay in work." James Taylor, Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope, called the bill 'catastrophic'. He said: "This bill will be catastrophic for disabled people. "Cutting benefits will plunge hundreds of thousands into poverty. Over 800,000 will lose at least some financial support from PIP. It will have a devastating effect on disabled people's health, ability to live independently or work. "A transition period will only temporarily delay a cut and disabled people will continue to be living with extra costs when it comes to an end. "Life costs more if you are disabled, whether or not you are working. The government needs listen to disabled people and change course." Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation, added: "This bill is a disaster for disabled people, and we urge MPs to reject this legislation in its current form. It will take vital financial support away from hundreds of thousands of disabled people, many of whom have mental health problems. Previous austerity measures worsened people's living conditions, undermined their mental health and increased the risk of suicide and premature deaths – and that's likely to be the case here too. "These plans will not help the UK government reduce the number of disabled people out of work. Personal Independence Payment is also granted to disabled people who are in work to help them meet the cost of their disability – and removing this support will make it harder for them to remain in the workforce. The Office for Budget Responsibility has also said there is no robust analysis showing this will encourage anyone to return to the workforce. Given that, our view is that these cuts are counterproductive and cruel. "A more effective alternative for the government would be to move forward with its progressive policies that encourage people to return to work, such as the Right to Try scheme and improvements to support in job centres, and evaluate how these help people return to the workforce. Cutting support for disabled people without knowing that is a recipe for disaster." At Prime Minister's Questions earlier today, Angela Rayner said she knows some people are "fearful" of changes to Personal Independence Payments and carer's allowance, but that Labour will support those who need it. Liberal Democrats deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "Liberal Democrat analysis of the Government's own data suggests that 1.3 million disabled people are at risk of losing some support. So can the Deputy Prime Minister honestly say, hand on heart, that this is a change that one million disabled people and their carers were promised?" Ms Rayner responded: "Labour is the party of work, and also the party of fairness and social justice. We've announced a plan to get Britain working again, and we're clear on the principles and I want to be clear on that. Those who want to work should be able to work, and those who can never work should be protected... "I know how some people are fearful of the changes, but this Labour Government put its values into place and will ensure that people are supported into work where they can and, where they can't, they are supported."
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Keir Starmer doubles down on benefit shakeup despite Labour rebellion
Keir Starmer ruled out softening disability benefit cuts when asked if rebel Labour MPs should 'lump it' as he faces a huge Commons rebellion over welfare changes Keir Starmer has ruled out softening controversial welfare cuts following a furious backlash from his own MPs. Asked whether Labour rebels will have to "lump it", the PM insisted he will push ahead with reforms in spite of criticism. He faces a wave of backbench anger, with around 100 MPs raising concerns about the measures. In a defiant message to his critics he vowed to get on and reform the benefit system to slash billions of pounds from the welfare bill. Pressed on whether he might water down the Government's proposals - which will see eligibility for the Personal Independent Payment (PIP) restricted - Mr Starmer said: "To start from the fundamentals, the system as it is is not working. Therefore it needs to be reformed. "It is not complying with the three principles I have set out many times: support those who need support; ensure that those who can get into work are supported into work; and that those who can work should work. That's the approach I've taken so far, it's the approach I'll continue to take to this." Under the plans, which are expected to go to a vote in the Commons next month, ministers will plough around £1billion into employment support for disabled people. But around £5billion will be saved by making hundreds of thousands of people ineligible for PIP. The PM continued: The argument for reform is overwhelming and that's why we will get on and we will reform." Asked a second time whether disgruntled MPs would have to lump it, he said: "We have to get on and reform this system, it's not working for anybody and therefore we have to reform it." A group of 42 MPs warned the PM last week that the plans were "impossible to support". They called on the Government to delay a vote until the autumn so a full assessment of the cuts can be made. A separate letter signed by as many as 80 MPs is also understood to be calling for a delay. Earlier this week disability minister Sir Stephen Timms told The Mirror there would be no such pause - saying reform was "urgent". Sir Stephen said: "I think the reform is urgent. We do need to get on with this." Grim Government analysis suggested around 250,000 extra people, including 50,000 children, could be dragged into poverty due to the proposed changes. But Sir Stephen said surveys showed 200,000 people who are currently out of work on health and disability grounds want to get a job if the right support was available.
Wales Online
11-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Will I lose my DWP PIP payments? 10 things you could have to prove to avoid losing support
Will I lose my DWP PIP payments? 10 things you could have to prove to avoid losing support The government has not said how many people will lose their PIP payments but it is presenting the DWP reform as a major change that will save billions The UK government has set out plans to significantly reduce the number of people entitled to the Personal Independent Payment pip from the DWP because of disability. At the moment the enhanced daily living component of PIP £110.40 per week and the standard rate to £73.90. The enhanced mobility component will be £77.05 per week, and the standard rate £29.20 People qualify for the payment by taking a series of tests on their ability to perform basic tasks like feeding themselves, dressing themselves or washing themselves. They are scored on the extent to which their condition prevents them from carrying out those tasks. Currently, people can qualify for a PIP payment by having a relatively low level of impairment across a lot of the different tests. However in future, they will have to have a more significant impairment on at least one of the tests and score at least four points on one of the tests. The government says that it has been a decade since PIP was introduced and it needs modernising. There are over 3m people in the UK currently in receipt of PIP at a cost of £21.8bn. The government says that if this continues to grow at the current rate, in four years there will be 4.2m people receiving PIP at a cost of £34.1bn and this is "unsustainable" and is growing faster than the prevalence of disability. Article continues below It says: "It is over a decade since PIP was introduced, during which time there have been significant shifts in the nature of long-term conditions and disability, as well as changes in wider society and the workplace. People reporting mental health or neurodiverse conditions as their primary condition have increased more rapidly than those reporting other conditions, and increases in disability have been more marked among younger adults than older people, although older working-age people are still more likely to be disabled." To be entitled to a PIP payment in future, people will have to show a higher level of impairment in at least one category meaning they score at least four points. The below are examples of what would enable you to qualify for the personal independent payments (PIP) by category. Preparing food Being unable to prepare a meal in an oven but able to use a microwave scores two points so will no longer, on its own, qualify a person for a PIP payment. Instead they will need to be able to show they "need supervision or assistance to either prepare or cook a simple meal" Eating and drinking Needs including having to have supervision, needing help to cut up food, or having to use an aid to take in nutrition will no longer score highly enough to qualify for PIP. Instead a person would have to show they "need prompting to be able to take nutrition" or, in a more severe case, be unable to "convey food or drink to their mouth". Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition To score four points, a person would have to show they "need supervision, prompting, or assistance to be able to manage therapy that takes more than three and a half hours a week but no more than seven hours a week" Washing and bathing Needing supervision to wash or bathe scores only two points on a PIP test as does needing help to wash hair or body below the waist. Needing help to get in our out of a bath or shower also only scores three points. To score four points, a person would have to show they "needs assistance to be able to wash their body between the shoulders and waist" Managing toilet needs or incontinence Needing supervision to use the loo, two points, will no longer qualify a person alone for PIP. Instead, they will have to show they need help (four points). Dressing and undressing A person who needs to be told to dress or needs help putting on trousers or a skirt (two points) will no longer qualify. Instead a person will have to show they need help to dress or undress their upper body. Communicating verbally Using a hearing aid only scores two points. To score four, a person would need to show they "need communication support to be able to express or understand complex verbal information" Reading To score four points, a person would have to show they need prompting to be able to read or understand basic written information or cannot read or understand signs at all. Engaging with others face to face Needing prompting to be able to engage with others only scores two points. Instead someone would need to show they "need social support to be able to engage with other people" Making budgeting decisions Needing help with complex budgeting will no longer be enough (two points). Instead to score four points, someone would have to show they need "prompting or assistance to be able to make simple budgeting decisions" If people find they no longer qualify for PIP, the government is consulting on how best to support them. Article continues below The benefits green paper says: "We want to ensure that anyone in receipt of PIP now who would lose entitlement when they are reassessed under the new eligibility criteria, has their health and eligible care needs met "Everyone should have their healthcare needs met by the NHS which is why we are investing almost £26 billion to fix the health and care system and we are investing an additional £889 million in General Practice in 2025/26 to reinforce the front door of the NHS and bring back the family doctor "DWP will work with DHSC to ensure that existing people who claim PIP who may no longer be entitled to the benefit following an award review under new eligibility rules have their health and eligible care needs met, in addition to being able to access our support conversation and employment support if they want to."
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DWP claimants face '50-week' wait over benefit worth £441 a month
Benefit claimants are being affected by horrendous delays, as Personal Independent Payment (PIP) applicants now face a staggering 50-week wait for assessments, as disclosed by Ruth Curtice, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation. The alarm was heralded in front of the work and pensions select committee with calls for immediate action, reports PIP, which supports those struggling with illness, disability or mental health issues in daily tasks, has been chucked into the spotlight following Labour's recent proposal to reform its contentious assessment procedures. READ MORE: Almost half of pensioners born before this date facing stealth tax raid Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join At the committee, Ms Curtice aired her concerns, saying: "The waiting time for a PIP assessment is 50 weeks. So from the day your assessment was meant to happen, you wait almost a year until it actually happens." She spoke of systemic flaws that disadvantage both taxpayers and claimants: "There's clearly elements of the system that are not working, either for the government in terms of keeping the right people in the system, or claimants that are suffering delays." Curtice touched at root causes behind this sluggish pace: "The slowing seems to be due to fewer assessments and fewer reassessments. It may also be due to stretched job centres being able to provide less support." PIP is worth worth £441.60 every four weeks at the higher daily living rate, while at the lower rate it is worth £295.60 every four weeks. Contrastingly, a Department for Work & Pensions spokesperson refuted these alarming statistics to Yahoo News, claiming the current average period for a PIP verdict remains at 16 weeks, while new applicants typically anticipate nine weeks for their assessment. They remarked: "We support millions of people through our welfare system every year and it is a priority people receive the benefits they are entitled to as quickly as possible.." "We have hired more staff to respond to an increased volume of claims and have special rules in place so that people nearing the end of their life are guaranteed a fast-tracked PIP award. On the rare occasion this does not happen, we will investigate to understand what went wrong." Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has two elements, a daily living rate and a mobility rate, and claimants may be entitled to either one or both components. Claimants currently need to score between eight and 11 points to receive the standard rate daily living component. There will be no changes to the mobility component scoring system or the expedited claim process for individuals nearing the end of life. Individuals with 12 months or less to live who receive or are eligible for PIP can still claim the enhanced daily living component rate through the fast-track process. Scoring 12 points or more makes claimants eligible for the enhanced rate daily living component. But under Labour's plans, from November 2026, claimants will need a minimum of four points for at least one activity to qualify for the daily living component of PIP.
