The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that eligibility for both the daily living and mobility components of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is being reviewed as part of the UK Government's welfare reforms. The Timms Review, co-produced by Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms alongside disabled people, charities and other organisations, is due to be completed this autumn.
What the review could mean for claimants
PIP claimants awarded the higher rate of the 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.
Minister's response on PIP mobility changes
DWP data shows just over three million PIP claimants receive either the standard or higher rate of the mobility component. This is made up of 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.
Former Labour MP, now Independent, Rachel Maskell recently asked what steps DWP is taking with the Treasury to co-produce policy changes to mobility allowances of PIP. In a written response, Minister for Social Security and Disability 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.” He added: “We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded.”
Motability Scheme changes and PIP as a gateway
Motability Scheme reforms for all users across Great Britain are now in place, including the ending of 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. Changes to the scheme in Scotland, where it is referred to as the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme, came into force last month.
PIP can help people over the age of 16 and under State Pension age with 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. Latest DWP figures show more than 4.1 million people across England and Wales were receiving PIP at the end of July. A successful claim for PIP is now worth between £30.30 and £194.60 a week to help with 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 that could be accessed with a PIP award include Access to Work, Blue Badge or the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme in Scotland, 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), and 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.
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. Full contact details including phone numbers can be found on the GOV.UK website.
