The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that eligibility for the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be reviewed alongside the daily living element as part of the UK Government's welfare reforms. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms will co-produce the review with involvement from disabled groups and charities, and it will be completed this autumn.
DWP also confirmed earlier this year that the review will be published before 2027, with a progress update due before the final report is presented to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden. Sir Stephen stated: "I am co-chairing a review of PIP that will conclude by the Autumn of this year; she (Rebecca Smith) said that she did not think that the review would happen until 2027, but it will conclude by the autumn of this year."
PIP claimants awarded the higher rate of the PIP mobility component can transfer some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter, or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme. Latest figures from Motability Operations show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including around 80,000 living in Scotland.
There are currently around three million Blue Badge permit holders in England and Wales, plus over 235,700 in Scotland. Access to the Blue Badge Scheme is not limited to disability benefits, as eligibility relates to a person's mobility needs, but an award for PIP mobility can help with proof of capability for entitlement.
DWP data shows that just over three million PIP claimants receive either the standard or higher rate of the mobility component. This includes 1,961,029 claimants with the higher payment award, worth £80.00 per week, and 1,111,219 on the standard award rate of £30.30 per week. There are currently more than 3.9 million people claiming PIP across England and Wales. All Scots have now been transferred to Adult Disability Payment.
PIP Mobility Element in Scope of Review
In a written question to the DWP, former Labour and now Independent MP Rachel Maskell asked what steps the department is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to co-produce policy changes to mobility allowances of PIP. In a written response, Sir Stephen Timms said: "The PIP mobility element is in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future. We will co-produce the Review with disabled people and their organisations to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work. We will provide an update shortly. We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded."
Motability Scheme Reforms Due in July
Motability Scheme reforms are due to start on July 1 and include ending the VAT relief on top-up payments, a one-off voluntary payment required to lease more expensive vehicles on the Scheme, and the application of Insurance Premium Tax on leases. Tax changes will not impact vehicles substantially adapted for wheelchair users, or existing leases, and Motability will continue to provide vehicles at no additional cost to the value of eligible disability benefits.
PIP in a Nutshell
PIP can help people over the age of 16 and under State Pension age with the extra financial costs for more than 500 health issues or disabling conditions, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual, or cognitive, or any combination of these. The latest figures from the DWP show more than 3.9 million people across Great Britain were receiving PIP at the end of October. A successful claim for PIP is now worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs.
An award for PIP may enable claimants to access means-tested benefits even if they have previously been told they are not eligible. This is because entitlement to PIP or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland can act as a gateway or passport to other benefits, such as Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment in Scotland, and schemes sponsored by other departments, such as the Blue Badge. For many benefits and schemes there are additional qualifying conditions, but for some, including the Blue Badge, there are alternative ways of accessing the benefit that do not rely on a particular rate or component of PIP or ADP.
Benefits Which Could Be Accessed with a PIP Award
- Access to Work
- Blue Badge or the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme
- Carer's Allowance / Carer Support Payment
- Carer's Credit
- Christmas Bonus
- Council Tax Reduction
- Employment and Support Allowance (only if you get the PIP daily living component)
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Pension Credit (only if you get the PIP daily living component)
- Universal Credit
For a full list of additional support for people in Scotland on Adult Disability Payment and other devolved disability benefits, visit the MYGOV.SCOT website.
Where to Find Help
Anyone who has already claimed PIP or has a general query about their award and what else they may be entitled to claim should call the Disability Service Centre. You can contact them for advice or information about a claim you have already made for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance. Full contact details including phone numbers can be found on the GOV.UK website.
