Liz Kendall has today announced changes to the disability support system PIP (Personal Independence Payment).
Despite rumours that the government would scrap the benefit altogether, the work and pensions secretary has said PIP is here to stay, but it will be harder to qualify for.
Ms Kendall said the reforms will save £5bn a year by the end of the decade.
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But what is PIP, who is able to get it, what is the government planning to change and who would be impacted?
Here’s what you need to know.
What is PIP?
PIP is a tax-free payment given to people to help with the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or disability.
There are two parts to it:
- A daily living part – for those who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- A mobility part – for people who have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around.
It’s possible to meet the criteria for one part or both parts, and payments vary for each.
Those who qualify for the daily living part are given either a lower rate of £72.65 per week or a higher rate of £108.55, and those who qualify for the mobility part either receive £28.70 or £75.75.
What’s changed?
Essentially, rather than freezing PIP, Ms Kendall announced a change to the assessment for the benefit, which is aimed at helping the disabled with the increased cost of living associated with their conditions.
People will now need to score at least four points in one activity to qualify.
The adaptation will require a change in law, which Ms Kendall said the government plans to do.
How does the government make its decisions?
The…
