DWP to confirm exactly when PIP claimants will be cut off from payments
DWP to confirm exactly when PIP claimants will be cut off from payments
A government bill to be published this week will outline when people on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) who no longer qualify once changes are implemented will lose their support
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is preparing to announce a 13-week transitional period for individuals who will lose their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) under upcoming reforms
(Image: John Myers )
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is preparing to announce a 13-week transitional period for individuals who will lose their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) under upcoming reforms. The Welfare Reform Bill, set to be unveiled this week, will outline that those no longer qualifying for PIP will continue to receive payments for 13 weeks before they are discontinued.
Dr Simon Opher, GP and MP for Stroud, revealed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Saturday June, 14 that during this transitional period, Carer's Allowance will remain payable but will stop once the PIP payments end.
In response to the proposed changes, Dr Opher stated he intends to 'rebel' in the forthcoming vote, noting that "a number of colleagues are in the same situation."
"It's a slight delay in the disability cuts - it's 13 weeks rather than four weeks," he said. "So it's something, but not very much really." For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
Dr Opher further commented on the inadequacy of the proposed adjustments, saying: "And it doesn't change the basic fact that they're planning to cut disability payments to quite a lot of people really. So not terribly impressed, but it's something at least," reports the Daily Record.
The government has encountered criticism from within its ranks due to the proposals, which aim to curb the figures of working-age individuals receiving sickness and disability benefits.
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As it stands, approximately 3.7 million people across Great Britain are currently claiming PIP, with expectations from the UK government that this number will increase to four million by the end of the decade.
Dozens of Labour MPs last month called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reconsider, saying the proposed reductions are "impossible to support".
Asked whether he would defy party lines in a Commons vote on the issue, Dr Opher said: "I am going to rebel.
"And this comes hard to me, I've never actually voted against the Government and I know a number of colleagues in the same situation.
"So I just urge the Government really to just consider parts of this again."
A Green Paper suggested measures for "transitional protection for those who are no longer eligible for PIP", while the UK Government elaborated this week, specifying the duration of this safeguard as 13 weeks.
DWP minister Liz Kendall told The Guardian recently: "When we set out our reforms we promised to protect those most in need, particularly those who can never work.
"I know from my 15 years as a constituency MP how important this is. It is something I take seriously and will never compromise on.
"That is why we are putting additional protections on the face of the Bill to support the most vulnerable and help people affected by the changes."
She added: "These protections will be written into law, a clear sign they are non-negotiable."
The UK Government anticipates these reforms will contribute to an annual saving of £5 billion by 2030 and ensure the endurance of PIP for people in the future.
An impact assessment from the UK Government, published alongside the reforms, estimates that 250,000 individuals, including 50,000 children, across England, Scotland and Wales could fall into relative poverty after housing costs due to these changes.
Proposed PIP alterations and online consultation
A proposed package of reforms to overhaul the welfare system has been put forward:
Ending reassessments for disabled people who will never be able to work and people with lifelong conditions to ensure they can live with dignity and security.
Scrapping the Work Capability Assessment to end the process that drives people into dependency, delivering on the UK Government's manifesto commitment to reform or replace it.
Providing improved employment support backed by £1 billion including new tailored support conversations for people on health and disability benefits to break down barriers and unlock work.
Legislating to protect those on health and disability benefits from reassessment or losing their payments if they take a chance on work.
The UK Government has made decisions to improve the sustainability of the welfare system and protect those most in need, ensuring it is available for those with the greatest needs now and in the future. These include:
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Reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work to ensure they have the right support and are not written off.
Targeting PIP for those with higher needs by changing the eligibility requirement to a minimum score of four on at least one of the daily living activities to receive the daily living element of the benefit, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria.
Rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit to improve the Standard Allowance.
Consulting on delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until someone is aged 22 and reinvesting savings into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee.
Alongside the publication of the Green paper, the DWP has also launched an online consultation on the new proposals. The consultation can be completed by anyone and is open until June 30, 2025 - you can find full details on GOV.UK here.
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