Latest news with #RebeccaLamb
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
PIP expert warns claimants who will be 'most affected' by changes
The eligibility rules for PIP are changing next year A benefits expert has warned that people with three health conditions could be particularly affected by changes to PIP rules (Personal Independence Payment). A new qualifying rule is coming in from next year for the benefit, which helps cover the extra costs of people who live with a long-term health condition or disability. The benefit includes a daily living part and a mobility part, with a lower and higher payment depending on your level of need. The new stipulation will mean you have to get at least one score of 4 on one of the daily living activities to get the daily living element. This means those losing out on £73.90 a week or £110.40 a week at the current rates. Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at Money Wellness, warned that some people with certain conditions could be particular affected by the more stringent criteria. She said: "People with mental health conditions, long Covid, ME, and other fluctuating or invisible illnesses are likely to be the most affected if support is reduced. These conditions can be hard to assess using standard criteria, especially when symptoms vary from day to day or don't have obvious physical signs. That puts people at greater risk of being overlooked in the system." Ms Lamb warned that the impact of losing out on PIP is not just the financial loss. She said that if you miss out on the right support, your daily life can be much harder and you may struggle to maintain your independence and stay well mentally and physically. The changes to PIP are set to come in from November 2026. DWP estimates suggest that by 2029/2030, some 370,000 current recipients will lose out on entitlement while 430,000 future claimants will no longer qualify. Ms Lamb warned that another challenge with PIP is that the payment rates are not keeping up with the rising costs some claimants face. Benefit rates increased 1.7% in April. The expert said: "Energy bills and other essential costs continue to rise sharply, putting extra pressure on people with long-term health conditions who often need more support just to cover basics like heating or medical equipment. "This means there's still a gap between what people really need and the support available to them. We hear from many who are having to cut back on essentials or take on debt just to get by." Asked how the DWP benefits system could be improved, Ms Lamb said: "The system needs to be simpler and more understanding. Right now, the process can be incredibly stressful, especially for people who are already unwell. "There's too much paperwork, sometimes pages and pages, long waits, and people often have to explain their condition over and over again. That takes a real toll, both emotionally and physically." She said officials should also use technology to better join up the system. She gave an example of how this could work, saying: "If professional organisations like the NHS could safely share key information with the DWP (with the right consent), it would take a lot of pressure off people who are just trying to get the support they're entitled to. No one should be missing out on help or going through months of stress just because the systems don't talk to each other. "The process should feel supportive and straightforward, not like another hurdle to overcome."
Business Mayor
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
State pensioners could get extra £4,050 in payments through these two schemes
State pensioners have been encouraged to check if they are eligible for two schemes that could provide an extra £4,000 a year in payments. Payment rates rose 4.1% last month in line with the triple lock, raising the full new state pension from £221.20 a week to £230.25 a week. But an expert has warned the rise may not be enough to cover rising living costs. Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at Money Wellness, said: 'While the 4.1% increase in state pension payments is welcome, it's unlikely to keep pace with the continued rise in living costs, especially for essentials like energy, food, and rent. 'For many pensioners, particularly those already struggling with debt or a tight budget, this uplift won't go far enough on its own.' She pointed pensioners to two ways they could boost their income. Ms Lamb said: 'To make the most of the increase, it's worth checking whether you're eligible for extra support. 'Pension Credit can boost your income, and schemes like the Warm Home Discount can help cut your energy bills.' The average Pension Credit claim is worth over £3,900 a year, while the Warm Home Discount takes £150 off your electricity bill so with these two benefits, you could effectively boost your income by £4,050. Pension Credits top up the income of those of state pension age on a low income, up to £227.10 a week for single claimants and £346.60 a week for couples. But you could get more than this as there are extra amounts depending on your situation, such as if you care for someone or if you have savings. Claiming the benefit also opens up access to other Government help, including the Winter Fuel Payment, worth £200 or £300 last winter, and a free TV licence for claimants aged 75 and over. Claimants may also be eligible for a council tax reduction, for housing benefit and for help towards NHS costs. The Warm Home Discount is a one-off discount where your electricity supplier applies the discount to your bill, if they are signed up to the scheme. Those on the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit – the weekly top-up element – will qualify as well some other people on a low income. Ms Lamb also encouraged pensioners that this time of year is a good time to do a review of their budget. She said: 'Start with the essentials and look for small ways to reduce spending. 'Even small savings can add up over time. And if you're worried about debt or bills, don't wait. There are free, confidential services that can help you regain control and feel more financially secure.' READ SOURCE
