Dwp pip claimants told how to protect payments from labour benefit cuts

THERE ARE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE NOW TO PREPARE FOR THE CHANGES AND TRY TO PREVENT YOUR PIP BEING REDUCED OR STOPPED 15:47, 20 May 2025Updated 15:50, 20 May 2025 DWP PIP claimants have been

given expert advice on how they can try to protect their payments from Labour's benefit cuts. From November 2026, existing claimants whose claims are reviewed at the end of their term,

as well as all new applicants, will need to get at least one score of four in the activities assessed for the daily living element of the benefit. This part of PIP is worth up to £441.60 in

every four-weekly amount, equivalent to £5,740.80 a year. A separate mobility element pays up to £308.20 every four weeks, equating to £4,006.60 per annum. This part of PIP will not be

affected by the disability benefit reforms in the Pathways to Work Green Paper. READ MORE: Around 3.66 million people in Britain are currently relying on Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

to help with the costs of their disabilities but campaigners say the proposed changes could see more than a third lose that vital support. Article continues below This significant shift from

the current system - which considers a wider range of moderate difficulties with daily activities such as washing, dressing and preparing a meal - could mean that people living with

multiple conditions such as arthritis, early-stage dementia or mobility impairments may no longer qualify for PIP, even though these challenges impact their lives every day. Daniel Swain,

motability expert at Seacroft Mobility, said: "These changes could have a huge negative impact on individuals with multiple moderate disabilities. "Many who currently receive

support may find themselves ineligible, jeopardising their independence and access to essential aids." The proposed changes aim to reduce welfare expenditure by £5 billion by 2030, but

in doing so, Daniel says they risk leaving vulnerable people without the support they need to live safely, comfortably, and independently. "If you’re worried about how the proposed

changes to PIP could impact your access to mobility aids or support, there are steps you can take now to prepare and protect your independence," he said. Daniel suggests three key ways

of protecting your PIP payments from the impact of the cuts: * Review your current PIP award. Understand how your claim is assessed and where your points come from. Knowing which daily

activities you received a score for, and how much it was, can help you identify if you are at risk under the new rule * Get supporting evidence from your medical records and occupational

therapy notes, as they can all help to demonstrate your struggles and how they affect your daily life * Speak to a disability benefits advisor or a local support charity such as Citizens

Advice. They can help you prepare your case for a reassessment if the changes are to go ahead He added that if the changes are introduced and you find your PIP is reduced or stopped, there

are still small steps you can take to ease the impact. These include adapting your home environment with simple additions such as grab rails, raised toilet seats or non-slip flooring, to

make everyday tasks more manageable. In addition, you should investigate equipment hire schemes. Look for affordable rental options or refurbished equipment that could be a cost-effective

alternative. Thirdly, ask about local support from councils, NHS occupational therapists or social care teams who may offer subsidised aids and assessments. Join our dedicated BirminghamLive

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