More than 150,000 claimants risk losing benefits as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) restarts its changeover scheme from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The transfer, paused during the Covid-19 pandemic, is now resuming.
DLA was scrapped in 2013, and claimants continue to be moved onto PIP. Latest data shows 153,000 claimants remain. Those who fail to respond to the application request risk having their payments stopped entirely. Claimants will be assessed under PIP rules and must fill out a new form to determine eligibility.
Critical comments from officials and charities
Disability minister Sir Stephen Timms described the changeover process as "dehumanising", "soul-destroying", and "degrading". Applicants are reportedly required to share "intimate details", with a review concluding that "bold changes" will be made to the benefit.
The DWP confirmed the changes will not be implemented before the DLA to PIP transfer scheme continues. From September, the department will start with 3,000 random cases.
James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, said: "The DWP needs to make sure they don’t penalise disabled people whose extra costs are only likely to rise." He added: "Disabled people know that the current system for PIP is not working and too many have to endure assessments that feel dehumanising and confrontational."
What is PIP?
PIP is a tax-free welfare benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term health condition or disability. It is worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, depending on the combination of standard and enhanced rates awarded.
A DWP spokesperson said: "The transfer of adult DLA claimants to PIP has been paused since 2020. A reassessment only occurs if a recipient reaches 16, reports a change in circumstance or voluntarily claims PIP. We are reviewing a random sample of 3,000 cases, and the findings will help determine any additional support needed when active transfer resumes."
