Massive changes to personal independence payment (PIP) are being consulted on in the Modernising Support Green Paper to be published by the government today. Any changes will only be put into law if the Conservatives win the next general election and the green paper is widely seen as an attempt to put pressure on Labour to declare its position on benefits.
The proposed changes are believed to include:
- Ending PIP assessment for people with the most serious health conditions, including those with terminal illnesses.
- Changes to current descriptors, especially those relating to aids and appliances.
- Changes to the qualifying period for eligibility for PIP, to ensure it is only available to people whose condition will be long term.
- Considering if PIP should only be available to people with a formal diagnosis by a medical expert.
- One-off grants instead of regular cash payments for some claimants who need adaptations or special equipment.
- Vouchers instead of cash payments.
- Reimbursing claimants who provide receipts for the purchase of aids, appliances or services.
- Providing people with lower extra costs due to their health condition with treatment, rather than regular payments.
The Modernising Support Green Paper will be published later today.
UPDATE: You can read more about the Green Paper and how to take part in the consultation here: Replace PIP with a catalogue and decide whether food or medication is more important for disabled people - 2024 PIP changes Green Paper
