The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update on the future of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), but has not confirmed whether cash will remain the default payment method for claimants following the Timms Review.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, responded to a written parliamentary question from Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, who asked whether cash would remain the default payment method for all PIP claimants following the review. The MP also sought confirmation that any alternative forms of non-cash support would be offered on a voluntary basis.
However, Sir Stephen did not provide either assurance in his response on October 29. He stated: "The Timms Review steering group is considering its recommendations ahead of the final report's publication in autumn."
"The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will consider the findings before deciding any next steps."
The response means that no decision on changing how PIP is provided was announced in the parliamentary answer.
PIP as a cash benefit
PIP is currently a cash benefit designed to help people with the additional costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. Payments are generally made directly into a claimant's bank, building society or credit union account every four weeks.
The benefit is not means-tested, which means entitlement is not determined by a person's income or savings. People can also receive PIP while working.
The Timms Review of PIP
The Timms Review was established to examine the PIP assessment and consider how the system could better support disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. The review involves disabled people and organisations representing them, alongside other stakeholders.
Its findings are expected to inform future government decisions about the disability benefit, although recommendations from the review would not automatically become government policy.
The latest parliamentary response did not confirm any plans to replace cash payments with vouchers, equipment or other forms of support. It also did not rule out recommendations concerning alternative payment arrangements.
Any proposals would need to be considered by the Work and Pensions Secretary before the UK Government decided whether to take further action.
PIP payments and eligibility
PIP has two components, daily living and mobility, with each paid at either a standard or enhanced rate depending on the claimant's assessed needs. People may qualify for one or both components.
Eligibility is based on the impact of a health condition or disability on everyday activities and mobility, rather than a diagnosis alone.
Daily living component - you might get the daily living part of PIP if you need help with: preparing food; eating and drinking; managing your medicines or treatments; washing and bathing; using the toilet; dressing and undressing; reading; managing your money; socialising and being around other people; talking, listening and understanding.
Mobility part - you might get the mobility part of PIP if you need help with: working out a route and following it; physically moving around; leaving your home.
The guidance on GOV.UK adds: "You do not have to have a physical disability to get the mobility part. You might also be eligible if you have difficulty getting around because of a cognitive or mental health condition, like anxiety."
How difficulty with tasks are assessed
The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks, this is similar to the guidance on ADP for those in Scotland.
For each task, the DWP will look at: whether you can do it safely; how long it takes you; how often your condition affects this activity; whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment.
How to make a claim for PIP
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, and you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website. Before you call, you will need: your contact details; your date of birth; your National Insurance number; your bank or building society account number and sort code; your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number; dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital.
