Thousands of benefit claimants could face cuts to vital support as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) considers a major overhaul of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The proposed changes could affect people with 87 different health conditions, including chronic pain, mobility impairments and musculoskeletal disorders.
Current PIP payments range from £72.65 to £108.55 per week for daily living support, with additional mobility assistance available.
After April’s benefit rate increases, those with the highest level of need could receive up to £749 per month.
The benefit is currently available to those aged 16 and over with long-term physical or mental health conditions that affect daily tasks or mobility.
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Britons are being warned about the impact of looming DWP reform
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DWP spending on disability benefits is set to increase dramatically over the next five years, according to the latest projections. Figures show costs rising by 63 per cent from £21.6billion in 2023/24 to £35.3billion by 2028/29.
This sharp increase in expenditure has prompted calls for reform, with Labour pushing for changes to reduce national benefits spending.
Under the changes, individuals with conditions like osteoarthritis, chronic pain syndrome and inflammatory arthritis could face stricter eligibility requirements.
New research from the DWP reveals that 44 per cent of people with mental health conditions believe they could return to work if their health improves.
Data shows a concerning trend in economic inactivity among young people with mental health conditions. The number of 16 to 34-year-olds who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness and mental health conditions has reached 270,000.
This represents an increase of 60,000 (26 per cent) in the past year alone. Across all working-age groups, 790,000 people are now economically inactive due to mental health conditions, up by 140,000 (22 per cent) over the last year.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP has criticised the current system’s approach to supporting those with health conditions.
“People claiming Health and Disability benefits have been classed by the system as ‘can’t work’ and shut out of jobs and have been ignored – when they’ve been crying out for support,” she said.
She described this as “a serious failure” that negatively impacts people, businesses and the economy.
Kendall expressed particular concern for young people, noting that being out of work can have “a scarring effect that lasts a lifetime”.
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She called for changes in how people with long-term health conditions are supported to ensure “a fair chance and choice to work”.
A consultation on the proposed PIP reforms is expected to launch this spring. Disability campaigners have raised concerns that the new criteria could unfairly impact those with less visible or fluctuating conditions.
There are particular worries about individuals whose conditions are difficult to diagnose or vary in severity. Advocates warn that tightening eligibility requirements may simply push more people onto other forms of welfare support.
While the Government maintains that aid will remain available for those with the most pressing needs, the lack of specific details about the changes has created anxiety among claimants.
