A new parliamentary petition is calling for changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment standards to better recognize the impact Type 1 diabetes can have on daily life. Over 14,400 people have already signed the petition, which means it is now entitled to a written response from the UK Government.
Petition Highlights Daily Challenges
The petition argues that people with Type 1 diabetes face a relentless, 24-hour responsibility involving blood glucose monitoring, insulin management, and careful planning around food, exercise, and stress. Despite these challenges, many struggle to qualify for disability benefits.
Created by Emily Jones, the petition urges the government to amend PIP assessment standards to clearly include people with Type 1 diabetes. It claims there is a lack of understanding of the condition, which may affect assessment outcomes.
Key Points from the Petition
- Managing Type 1 diabetes requires frequent blood glucose monitoring, insulin adjustments, and planning around food, activity, and stress.
- The demands of managing the condition alongside full-time employment can lead to physical exhaustion and mental burnout.
- Wider access to PIP could help pay for technology not routinely provided by the NHS and support those who need to reduce working hours due to the condition.
Current PIP Rules
PIP is designed to help with extra costs associated with a long-term health condition or disability. Entitlement is based on how a condition affects daily living and mobility needs, not the diagnosis itself. Having Type 1 diabetes does not automatically qualify someone for PIP, but some can receive it if they meet the assessment criteria.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures show that at the end of April, 43,986 people were receiving PIP for diabetes, including 13,645 with Type 1 and 16,304 with Type 2.
Next Steps for the Petition
The petition is open for signatures until December 2. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
Who Might Be Eligible for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible for PIP (or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland), you must have a health condition or disability where you have had difficulties with daily living or getting around for three months and expect these to continue for at least nine months. You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
Consider applying if you need help with:
- Preparing, cooking, or eating food
- Managing medication
- Washing, bathing, or using the toilet
- Dressing and undressing
- Engaging and communicating with others
- Reading and understanding written information
- Making decisions about money
- Planning a journey or following a route
- Moving around
Different rules apply if you are terminally ill.
How PIP and ADP Are Paid
PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. Payments are made directly into your bank account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
Payment Rates
PIP has two components: daily living and mobility. Weekly rates are:
- Daily living standard rate: £76.70
- Daily living enhanced rate: £114.60
- Mobility standard rate: £30.30
- Mobility enhanced rate: £80.00
Assessment Process
You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to determine the level of financial support. Assessments can be face-to-face, by video call, telephone, or paper-based. The DWP determines the type of assessment. For Adult Disability Payment, face-to-face assessments are not required unless preferred by the claimant.
How to Make a Claim
For PIP, contact the DWP. You will need your contact details, date of birth, National Insurance number, bank account details, doctor's information, and dates of any time abroad or in care. For ADP, apply via mygov.scot or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
