Latest news with #PIP
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Liz Kendall to face Labour MPs as government braces for huge benefits revolt
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is set to address the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) ahead of a major vote this month on cuts to sickness and disability benefits Liz Kendall is expected to face Labour MPs as the government braces for its biggest revolt yet over controversial welfare cuts. The Mirror understands the Work and Pensions Secretary will address a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) in the coming weeks. It will be a key chance for Labour MPs to quiz the minister on major welfare reforms behind-closed-doors. It is likely to come before MPs are asked to vote in June on major cuts to sickness and disability benefits, with Keir Starmer facing the biggest rebellion of his premiership so far. Earlier this month Keir Starmer faced angry backbenchers at the same private meeting, with many raising the issue of welfare reform and migration. Labour MP Ian Byrne told The Mirror: 'I will be attending the briefing from Liz Kendall and I hope the Government have listened to the disabled community who are terrified of the planned cuts, charities who have outlined their catastrophic impact and MPs who are relaying this message to the Government from their constituencies. 'After the Winter Fuel debacle and the damage it's done to the Government's standing, we need desperately to listen to the country and return to the core Labour values of tackling poverty and inequality and I hope this is the case otherwise I and many of my colleagues will vote against these measures as they currently stand.' Another MP said: 'The PLP has a declining number of true believers. She'll be met by a mix of distant silence, lots of searching questions, and a sense of bewilderment.' One MP told The Mirror: "If you think that Keir Starmer got a bit of a rough ride a couple of weeks ago and the largest issue that people had concerns about was welfare reform, and then you've got Liz Kendall standing in front of them, all of the concerns are going to be about welfare reform." They added: "I would have thought that's going to be quite an interesting meeting." A second MP said: "There's a clear indication of the mood in the PLP - it's not very forgiving at the moment." Concern has been building in the party since March when the government unveiled around £5billion in cuts to sickness and disability benefits. Most of the savings will be made from restricting eligibility to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) - a key disability benefit for people regardless of employment status. Over 100 Labour MPs have said they cannot support the changes without further evidence. And a separate group of more than 40 MPs said they were "impossible to support", describing the cuts as the "biggest attack on the welfare state since George Osborne". One MP told The Mirror many had also written privately to No10 expressing concerns, adding: "There has to be an alternative way". Last week the Commons Work and Pensions Committee - led by the senior Labour MP Debbie Abrahams - urged the government to delay the reforms. The government has been given until Monday to respond. But in a recent speech Ms Kendall stood by the reforms saying they will ensure "our welfare state is sustainable for the future". She added: "The truth is welfare reform is never easy, and it is rarely popular. Perhaps especially for Labour governments. But no responsible Labour government can resile from taking decisions because they are too difficult. Because this is not good enough for the people we came into politics to serve. "So, we will reform the welfare state. Just as great reforming Labour governments have done in the past." And she recently told The Mirror: "I understand people's concern and I understand people are anxious. But we are consulting with disabled people and the organisations that represent them on our PIP review, to look at the assessment process. I believe the task of helping people who can work, get work, is urgent." Labour MP Ian Byrne told The Mirror: 'I will be attending the briefing from Liz Kendall and I hope the Government have listened to the disabled community who are terrified of the planned cuts, charities who have outlined their catastrophic impact and MPs who are relaying this message to to the Government from their constituencies. 'After the Winter Fuel debacle and the damage it's done to the Governments standing, we need desperately to listen to the country and return to the core Labour values of tackling poverty & inequality and I hope this is the case otherwise I and many of my colleagues will vote against these measures as they currently stand.' Another MP said: 'The PLP has a declining number of true believers. 'She'll be met by a mix of distant silence, lots of searching questions, and a sense of bewilderment.'
North Wales Live
14 hours ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
DWP lists four groups of people most likely to retain PIP payment of £749
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently confirmed alterations to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from November 2026, affecting both new and existing claimants. Current claimants will only be affected by these changes at their next review, post the November implementation date. Recent figures revealed that over 1.5 million (41%) of all 3.7 million PIP claimants have received an award for five years or longer. As of the end of January, approximately 1,501,215 individuals in England, Wales, and overseas, are receiving ongoing awards for disabilities, long-term illnesses, or physical or mental health conditions. Over 58% of individuals claiming PIP for a visual disease receive a monthly award of up to £749 for five years or more. Over half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%), such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been granted a longer award, along with 49.5% of people with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Those considering a new application for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) should note that awards can range from nine months to 10 years. The Department for Work and Pensions data indicates that some awards last 'five years or longer', according to the Daily Record. The latest PIP Handbook outlines that decision makers will assess Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards considering the impact of a claimant's health condition or disability on their everyday life and autonomy. The handbook clarifies: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances." Claimants should be aware that, as per DWP guidelines, most will face regular reviews of their PIP award "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure they receive the appropriate level of support. While some individuals might secure fixed-term awards for up to two years without subsequent reviews – typically in cases where an improvement in health is foreseeable – others may be granted ongoing awards with 'light touch' reviews. These 'light touch' reviews are designated for claimants who meet specific criteria, with the DWP stating: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review." A 'light touch' review generally applies to those 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 Current PIP and Adult Disability Payment (ADP) rates span from £29.20 to £187.45 weekly, which translates to between £116.80 and £749.80 every four weeks. Annually, recipients of the top-tier awards could see up to an extra £9,747. It is important to remember that the upper limit of £749.80 is predicated on someone receiving the highest possible amounts for both the daily living and mobility components of the benefit. It's crucial to note that people with various health conditions can receive PIP for five years or more, depending on how their condition affects them. The following conditions have the highest percentage of claimants receiving awards for five years or longer, as of January 2025's end: Visual disease 58,685 34,692 General Musculoskeletal disease 682,391 341,434 50.8% Neurological disease 468,113 230,412 Respiratory disease 138,376 64,835 Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) 19,542 8,697 Regional Musculoskeletal disease 426,038 185,916 44.6% Total number of PIP claimants 3,694,536 1,501,215 41% Who could 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 If you've been having difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for three months and expect these challenges to continue for at least nine months, you might qualify for help. Usually, you need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition, if your condition necessitates or results in needing assistance with any of the following, 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 Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the website. The DWP will evaluate how you cope with daily living and mobility tasks. They will assess each task based on specific criteria. How are PIP and ADP paid out? PIP and ADP are typically paid every four weeks, unless you're terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments are directly transferred into your bank, building society, or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you'll receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you're receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP consists of two components: Daily living Mobility The component(s) you receive and the amount 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 An independent healthcare professional will assess you 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 note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. How do you make a claim for PIP? You can initiate a new claim by reaching out to the DWP, all the necessary information for application is available on the website.
Wales Online
16 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
DWP full list of PIP groups most likely to lose payments under new rules
DWP full list of PIP groups most likely to lose payments under new rules The DWP has now conducted analysis of PIP claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity in 18 of the most common disabling conditions The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) predicts that changes to the eligibility rules for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will lead to 370,000 current claimants losing their entitlement during the financial year 2029/30. The impact assessment, released in March, also forecasts that 430,000 future PIP claimants will not qualify for the disability benefit once the reforms are implemented, resulting in an average annual loss of £4,500 each. The DWP has carried out an analysis of PIP claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity across 18 of the most prevalent disabling conditions. These conditions were selected as they represent the largest proportions of PIP caseloads. Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, disclosed the findings of the analysis in a written response to Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins. Sir Timms stated: "A breakdown of the impact of the reforms on disability overall has been published as part of an Equality Analysis of the Spring Statement package of measures", reports the Daily Record. He added: "Data on the health conditions of Universal Credit claimants being placed in the LCWRA has been published and will continue to be taken into account in the future programme of analysis." The DWP Minister concluded: "Analysis of those who do not score four points in at least one daily living activity for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has now been undertaken." He went on to explain that the table of findings "shows the volume of claimants with the 18 most common disabling conditions in receipt of the PIP daily living component in January 2025, as well as the volume and proportion of these claimants who were awarded less than four points in all 10 daily living activities." DWP analysis of current daily living awards The DWP's notes on this analysis clarify that the category for health conditions is determined by the primary health condition recorded on the PIP Computer System at the time of the latest assessment. While many claimants have more than one health condition, only the primary condition is used for analysis purposes. Provided below is a list detailing PIP health conditions alongside the number of recipients receiving the PIP daily living component, as well as those granted fewer than four points in all daily living activities as of the end of January 2025. Arthritis - 279,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points. Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases - 136,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points. Chronic Pain Syndromes - 173,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points. Cardiovascular Diseases - 61,000 claimants, 38,000 (62%) scored less than 4 points. Respiratory Diseases - 83,000 claimants, 45,000 (55%) scored less than 4 points. Multiple Sclerosis and Neuropathic Diseases - 80,000 claimants, 38,000 (48%) scored less than 4 points. All Other Conditions - 272,000 claimants, 126,000 (46%) scored less than 4 points. Other Neurological Diseases - 97,000 claimants,35,000 (36%) scored less than 4 points. Cerebrovascular Diseases - 56,000 claimants, 19,000 (34%) scored less than 4 points. Cancer - 70,000 claimants, 23,000 (33%) scored less than 4 points. Epilepsy - 36,000 claimants, 11,000 (30%) scored less than 4 points. Other Psychiatric Disorders - 90,000 claimants, 25,000 (28%) scored less than 4 points. Cerebral Palsy and Neurological Muscular Diseases - 47,000 claimants, 11,000 (24%) scored less than 4 points. Psychotic Disorders - 112,000 claimants, 26,000 (23%) scored less than 4 points. ADHD / ADD - 75,000 claimants, 14,000 (19%) scored less than 4 points. Autistic Spectrum Disorders - 206,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points. Learning Disabilities - 188,000claimants, 7,000 (3%) scored less than 4 points. Other disabling condition groups which cover smaller proportions of the PIP caseload are covered in the 'Other Conditions' category. This includes: Visual Diseases Other General Musculoskeletal Diseases Endocrine Diseases Hearing Disorders Gastrointestinal Diseases Genitourinary Diseases Skin Diseases Autoimmune Diseases (Connective Tissue Disorders) Infectious Diseases Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder or Biliary Tract Haematological Diseases Metabolic Diseases Multisystem and Extremes of Age Diseases of the Immune System Anxiety and Depression Anxiety disorders - Other / type not known Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Stress reaction disorders - Other / type not known Generalised anxiety disorder Phobia - Specific Phobia - Social Agoraphobia Panic disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Anxiety and depressive disorders - mixed Conversion disorder (hysteria) Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) Dissociative disorders - Other / type not known Somatoform disorders - Other / type not known Depressive disorder Bipolar affective disorder (Hypomania / Mania) Mood disorders - Other / type not known 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 Points and payment rates After answering all the daily living activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP After answering all the mobility activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP The latest DWP figures show that at the end of January there were 3.7 million PIP claimants across Great Britain. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has previously said more than 1,000 PIP claims are being awarded per day, making the argument for welfare reforms to ensure the system is sustainable for the future. The proposed changes will come into force in November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. Reforms also include increasing the number of face-to-face assessments. At present, most are being conducted remotely over the phone, by video call, or paper-based. However, there will be no freeze on PIP payments, which will continue to be non-means-tested, and rise in-line with the September inflation rate. There will be no changes to the mobility component. Article continues below You can complete the UK Government's consultation on proposed changes to PIP and the benefits system on here.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The health conditions most at risk from the DWP's controversial PIP changes
The government is reportedly looking at softening plans to restrict the eligibility rules for PIP assessments in the wake of a backlash over controversial welfare reforms being pushed through later this year. In March, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall revealed plans to slash £5bn from the benefits bill, with the mainstay of the savings coming from limiting the number of people who qualify for personal independence payments (PIP). From November 2026, those claiming the "daily living element" of PIP – which provides financial support for individuals who need help with everyday tasks and mobility – face needing to score a minimum of four points during their assessment for the benefit in one single activity to qualify for support. The move has sparked widespread criticism from campaigners - as well as causing a rift in the Labour party - over concerns about the potential impact on hundreds of thousands of disabled people. On Thursday, the Financial Times reported that ministers are considering softening the stricter eligibility rules, which could lead to 195,000 people being prevented from losing their benefits payments. But just who is set to miss out on claiming PIP? According to data released by the DWP, the people most likely to miss out on their PIP are those who experience back pain. To continue to be eligible after the new rules are brought in, the back pain a claimant experiences must significantly impact their ability to perform daily living activities or get around. As back pain can fluctuate, claimants may struggle to demonstrate consistent, severe limitations because of it to an assessor. Campaigners have pointed out that those with other 'invisible' conditions that fluctuate are likely to be the hardest hit, and that some of the most common back pain injuries are caused by questionable work conditions. Those with arthritis and chronic pain syndromes - second and third on the list - are also highly likely to miss out on support if the illness is listed as their primary condition. Versus Arthritis, a charity dedicated to supporting people with the condition, said it was "hugely disappointed" by the government's reforms, adding that people with arthritis are one of the largest groups in receipt of PIP. "These cuts will have a negative impact on their daily lives," the charity said. "Instead, what people with arthritis who are able to work need is timely access to treatment, tailored employment support and workplace adjustments to help them stay in, or return to, the right job." Those with musculoskeletal conditions like fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis also look likely to be at risk of losing the benefit. The government's own impact assessment calculates 800,000 people being affected by the cuts to PIP, while some campaigners have claimed the figures could be significantly higher. Labour's planned changes would mean that anyone who doesn't score four or more points in one of the 12 assessment categories will lose their payments. (You can read more about the assessment criteria here.) If ministers do soften their proposals as reported by the Financial Times, it would mean those who have a high total score could also still qualify. These assessed categories are: Preparing food Eating and drinking Managing treatments (e.g., medication) Washing and bathing Using the toilet and managing incontinence Dressing and undressing Talking, listening and understanding Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words Engaging with other people face to face Making budgeting decisions Planning and following journeys Moving around Each activity has descriptors that assess the level of difficulty or assistance needed, with points assigned accordingly to determine eligibility and payment rates This would mean those who Score eight points getting the standard rate of PIP Score 12 points or more for the enhanced rate of PIP The government is believed to be looking at ways to appease MPs who do not want to back the £5bn cuts, with Sir Keir Starmer expected to face the biggest backbench rebellion since he came to power. According to the Guardian, more than 100 backbench Labour MPs have signed a letter criticising the government's planned benefits cuts, urging the government to delay the plans and rethink the proposals. A parliamentary vote on the proposals is expected in June. Earlier this week, disabled celebrities including Jack Thorne, Ruth Madeley, Liz Carr and Rosie Jones launched a new campaign criticising the cuts, named TakingthePip. The group, led by over 100 disabled public figures, has come together to "speak out against the UK government's inhumane proposal to cut disability benefits, including PIP and the health-related component of universal credit." In a letter to Starmer and Kendall, the group wrote: "There are over 16 million disabled people in the UK, yet not even a quarter of those receive PIP. Those who do are the most in need. For us, PIP is not a benefit – it is access to life. Without it, people are left housebound and isolated." A government spokesperson told Yahoo News: 'The majority of people who are currently getting PIP will continue to receive it. 'We will never compromise on protecting people who need our support, and our reforms will mean the social security system will always be there for those who will never be able to work, and that their income is protected. 'We have also announced a review of the PIP assessment, and we will be working with disabled people and key organisations representing them to consider how best to do this.'
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
People over state pension age may be due benefits worth thousands
There are a range of discounts, benefits, and grants available to those over the state pension age - and you could be eligible without even knowing it There are 13 million people over the state pension age of 66 in the UK. But only 1.7 million receive the full new state pension of £230.25 per week. As a result, potentially millions may be unaware of the additional support, benefits and discounts they are owed. The official MoneyHelper website has compiled a list of bonuses that could supplement your retirement income, without affecting state pension payments, as reported by the Daily Record. One of the first points to check is your state pension. Recent errors have resulted in people being underpaid by thousands in their state pensions, so checking your National Insurance record could provide a hefty increase in your retirement income. You need a full 35 years of National Insurance contributions to receive the £230.25 per week and at least 10 to qualify for any of the new state pension. If you are not receiving the full state pension amount, you might be eligible for Pension Credit. This income supplement can add £4,300 each year and also grants access to a variety of other benefits and discounts, such as a free TV licence for those over 75. provides a Pension Credit calculator which can help determine if you're eligible for this support. Currently, Pension Credit is one of the most underclaimed benefits, with eligible individuals missing out on approximately £1.5 billion each year. A variety of health benefits are available to help cover the extra costs associated with illnesses and disabilities, some of which are exclusively for individuals over the state pension age. If you claimed PIP or DLA before reaching the state pension age, you might still be eligible to continue getting your award until it expires. On the other hand, Attendance Allowance is made specifically for disabled or ill people over the state pension age. It can range from £73.90 to £110.40 per week, depending on the level of assistance or supervision required. Beyond the benefits system, there are numerous discounts available for those over the state pension age. This includes assistance with council tax, regardless of whether you rent or own your property. If you receive a disability or carer's benefit or the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, you could be entitled to a larger council tax reduction. The latter might even cover your entire council tax bill. Another discount available to those over the state pension age is a free passport. To qualify, you must have been born on or before 2 September 1929 and be a British national. Lastly, a variety of travel concessions and schemes are available to those aged 60 and above. These include the 60+ London Oyster photocard, the Freedom Pass, Senior Railcards and free bus passes.
