Disability benefit review considers alternatives to cash payments
Summary
A government review of the personal independence payment (PIP), a major disability benefit in England and Wales, is considering offering some claimants support other than cash. The review says the current system is not working well for many disabled people and plans to suggest changes later this year.Key Facts
- The review is led by Sir Stephen Timms and was commissioned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- The government will continue to provide cash payments but may add or replace some payments with other support like NHS treatments, special equipment, or help finding work.
- The current PIP process has been described by claimants as "dehumanising" and a barrier to employment.
- The number of PIP claims, especially for mental health conditions like anxiety and ADHD, has increased since the Covid pandemic.
- Approximately 24% of working-age people in England and Wales report living with a disability, up from 17% in 2013/14.
- The cost of PIP is predicted to grow from £15 billion in 2020 to more than £41 billion by 2030.
- The system scores claimants on daily activities, but the review says it does not always match real-life needs well.
- Final recommendations from the review are expected in autumn with plans for major changes to how disability support is given.
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