AdviceUK has warned that cuts or tighter eligibility rules for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could push free and independent advice services beyond breaking point, increasing hardship for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, while driving further demand for crisis support. AdviceUK member organisations, providing frontline welfare benefits advice, have said that even tentative discussions of possible PIP cuts are already leading to increased anxiety and demand for support. In its response to the Timms Review, which is drawing on members’ experiences, AdviceUK calls on the Government to co-design any reforms with the advice sector and claimants themselves.
AdviceUK is the largest network of free and independent advice services in the UK and represents more than 700 free and independent advice services that support millions of people when they are dealing with debt, facing the threat of homelessness, or in need of social welfare support. Welfare benefits are the most common issue advice services advise on, with PIP-related cases making up the largest proportion of this work(1).
Free and independent advice services are already at breaking point due to the sheer number of issues that people are facing, as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, increases in energy and rental bills, and changes and cuts to benefits(2). Some AdviceUK member organisations report that even the prospect of PIP reform, especially those involving cuts and eligibility restrictions, has already increased concerns among clients and led to a rise in demand for their services.
One AdviceUK member, the Nishkam Civic Association, based in Birmingham, said that when cuts were proposed last year, many clients had already contacted the service to ask how those reforms could affect them. The organisation warned that changes to PIP would increase demand and waiting times, potentially forcing services to turn people away.
While AdviceUK stresses that PIP eligibility should not be restricted, it supports reforms that improve the accessibility, fairness and administration of PIP. Members report that the current system is complex, stressful and time–consuming. Clients require support with lengthy forms, repeated requests for evidence and unclear communication from the Department for Work and Pensions. These challenges are acute for people with fluctuating conditions, mental health issues, learning disabilities and those experiencing digital exclusion.
AdviceUK member organisation, Friends, Families and Travellers, based in Brighton, said that the most common problems their advisers see, when assisting people claiming PIP, include assessment summaries claiming that the client “didn’t appear to be in pain” and that when considering disabilities that “are not [severe] for the majority of days[, they] are completely disregarded.”
AdviceUK highlights that PIP is not an out-of-work benefit and exists to help meet the extra costs of disability and long-term ill health and to support independence. It must remain available to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, including many who are in work or seeking employment, and those who cannot work. Far from increasing employment, cuts to PIP may leave more disabled people out of work, including staff working at several AdviceUK member organisations that are run by and for deaf and disabled people.
Liz Bayram, Chief Executive of AdviceUK said:
“PIP is a lifeline for millions of people, including many who rely on it to stay in work and live independently.
“Our members are already dealing with unprecedented levels of demand. Tightening eligibility or introducing cuts would cause significant real hardship for people with physical and mental health conditions and place unsustainable pressure on advice services.
“We are calling on the Timms Review to ensure that the critical support advice services play in supporting PIP applications and appeals are recognised. Changes to PIP must focus on improving the system; not restricting access to support.”
Notes to Editors
About AdviceUK: https://www.adviceuk.org.uk/
AdviceUK is a national charity and the largest network of independent advice centres in the UK, delivering free specialist advice to millions of people each year on a diverse range of issues. Run by and for our over 700 members, we provide support, a community and development opportunities for members, as well as a voice on issues that affect them.
Press contacts
press@adviceuk.org.uk or 07955 296206
