Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that his government could tighten the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a move that would make it harder to claim the benefit. The change is aimed at reducing the welfare bill, which has risen sharply as PIP claims in England and Wales surpassed four million for the first time and spending is forecast to exceed £41 billion by the end of the decade.
Burnham's Proposed Changes
Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Burnham said: "It’s about changing the nature of the support and making some of the support conditional upon people taking opportunities that are presented in front of them. So you might increase the conditions required to receive benefits." The prime minister inherits rising numbers of people out of work due to sickness, a trend that began under his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.
Current PIP Rules and Rates
Under current DWP rules, PIP is available to people with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability who have difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around. The benefit has two parts: daily living (for help with everyday tasks) and mobility (for help getting around). Payments depend on the severity of the condition.
The daily living part pays a lower weekly rate of £76.60 or a higher rate of £114.60. The mobility part pays £30.30 (lower) or £80 (higher). PIP is tax-free, can be claimed even if working or have savings, and is not affected by income or savings.
Eligibility Assessment
The DWP assesses how difficult applicants find daily living and mobility tasks, considering safety, time, and need for help or equipment. To qualify, difficulty must be expected more than half the days over 12 months. After applying, a health professional may conduct an assessment. Successful applicants receive an award lasting between nine months and 10 years.
Daily living tasks include preparing food, eating, managing medicines, washing, using the toilet, dressing, reading, managing money, socialising, and communicating. Mobility tasks include planning routes, moving around, and leaving home. The mobility part also covers cognitive or mental health conditions like anxiety.
