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 reform plans. 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.
Scope of the review
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. Motability Operations reports 815,000 customers across the UK, including around 80,000 in Scotland.
There are approximately 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—eligibility relates to a person's mobility needs—but a PIP mobility award can help prove capability for entitlement.
Minister's response
In a written response to a question from former Labour MP Rachel Maskell, now Independent, Minister 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 co-produce the Review with disabled people, and their organisations to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work. We will provide an update shortly.”
He confirmed: “We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded.”
Motability Scheme changes
Motability Scheme reforms for users in England and Wales started on July 1, including ending VAT relief on top-up payments, a one-off voluntary payment for leasing more expensive vehicles, and the application of Insurance Premium Tax on leases. Tax changes will not affect 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, known as the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme, come into force on September 1. Existing customers and anyone placing a new order before September 1 will keep their current lease terms.
PIP basics and further support
PIP helps people over 16 and under State Pension age with extra financial costs for more than 500 health issues or disabling conditions. DWP figures show more than 4 million people in England and Wales were receiving PIP at the end of April. A successful claim is worth between £30.30 and £194.60 a week.
An award for PIP can act as a gateway to other benefits, including Carer's Allowance (or Carer Support Payment in Scotland) and schemes such as the Blue Badge. Other benefits that may be accessed with a PIP award include Access to Work, Christmas Bonus, Council Tax Reduction, Employment and Support Allowance (with daily living component), Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit (with daily living component), and Universal Credit.
Anyone who has already claimed PIP or has a general query about their award should call the Disability Service Centre. Full contact details are available on the GOV.UK website.
