{"id":24206,"date":"2025-03-18T11:11:41","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T12:11:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/medexperts.pro\/?p=24206"},"modified":"2025-03-18T12:24:37","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T12:24:37","slug":"what-are-pip-disability-payments-and-how-could-they-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/?p=24206","title":{"rendered":"What are Pip disability payments and how could they change?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-component=\"byline-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<div data-testid=\"byline-new\" class=\"sc-b42e7a8f-0 haItSe\">\n<div class=\"sc-b42e7a8f-1 cjDa-dM\">13 minutes ago<\/p>\n<p><!--$!--><button disabled type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-2 sc-48d6da7e-5 sc-48d6da7e-6 oYtVL dRvUPz dXDmtS\"><span data-testid=\"button-icon-wrapper\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-0 dMpdqo\"><\/span><span data-testid=\"button-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-1 eihkAj\">Share<\/span><\/button><button disabled type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Save\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-2 sc-48d6da7e-5 sc-48d6da7e-6 iQJDhl cCYQUA kItbpD\"><span data-testid=\"button-icon-wrapper\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-0 dMpdqo\"><\/span><span data-testid=\"button-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-1 eihkAj\">Save<\/span><\/button><!--\/$--><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--$!--><button disabled type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-2 sc-48d6da7e-5 sc-48d6da7e-6 oYtVL dRvUPz dXDmtS\"><span data-testid=\"button-icon-wrapper\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-0 dMpdqo\"><\/span><span data-testid=\"button-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-1 eihkAj\">Share<\/span><\/button><button disabled type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Save\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-2 sc-48d6da7e-5 sc-48d6da7e-6 iQJDhl cCYQUA kItbpD\"><span data-testid=\"button-icon-wrapper\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-0 dMpdqo\"><\/span><span data-testid=\"button-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"sc-48d6da7e-1 eihkAj\">Save<\/span><\/button><!--\/$--><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 EXUng\">\n<div data-testid=\"hero-image\" class=\"sc-a34861b-1 jxzoZC\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medexperts.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/7e5f5ec0-03c7-11f0-9bb2-ab6d3a01d537.jpg.webp\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Getty Images Close up shot of a person looking at bills and receipts on a table next to a calculator in their kitchen. They are wearing a blue jumper and the kitchen sink is in the background.\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 efFcac\" \/><span class=\"sc-a34861b-2 hesJxn\">Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Changes to a key disability benefit called Personal Independence Payment (Pip) are being considered by the government as it tries to cut welfare spending.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Pip is paid to people who have difficulty completing everyday tasks or getting around as a result of a long-term physical or mental health condition.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing pressure from some MPs and charities, who say vulnerable people could lose out if the rules for qualifying are tightened or payments changed.<!-- --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sc-518485e5-0 DkKTF\">How much are Pip payments worth?<!-- --><\/h2>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">There are two elements to Pip &#8211; a daily living component and a mobility component. Claimants may be eligible for one or both.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Daily living covers areas such as requiring help with preparing food, washing, reading and managing your money. The mobility element includes physically moving around or getting out of your home.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">For each, there are two categories of payment &#8211; standard and, for those with greater needs, enhanced. <!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">For daily living:<!-- --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-5c9c90b0-0 ggNdZQ\">\n<li class=\"sc-8d73edac-0 ezcCTE\">The standard rate is \u00a372.65 per week<!-- --><\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-8d73edac-0 ezcCTE\">The enhanced rate is \u00a3108.55 per week<!-- --><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">For mobility:<!-- --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sc-5c9c90b0-0 ggNdZQ\">\n<li class=\"sc-8d73edac-0 ezcCTE\">The standard rate is \u00a328.70 per week<!-- --><\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-8d73edac-0 ezcCTE\">The enhanced rate is \u00a375.75 per week<!-- --><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Pip is usually paid every four weeks and is tax-free.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">It does not change depending on your savings or income and does not count as income affecting other benefits, or the <!-- --><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/benefit-cap\" class=\"sc-c9299ecf-0 beIoQm\">benefit cap<!-- --><\/a>. You can get Pip if you are working.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">The payment is made for a fixed period of time between one and 10 years, after which it is reviewed. A reassessment could come earlier if <!-- --><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/pip\/change-of-circumstances\" class=\"sc-c9299ecf-0 beIoQm\">your circumstances change<!-- --><\/a>. <!-- --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sc-518485e5-0 DkKTF\">How many people receive PIP?<!-- --><\/h2>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">More than 3.6 million people currently claim Pip. <!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">The payments are made in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, there is a similar but separate benefit called the Adult Disability Payment.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Overall, about 1.3m people now claim disability benefits <!-- --><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ifs.org.uk\/publications\/role-changing-health-rising-health-related-benefit-claims\" class=\"sc-c9299ecf-0 beIoQm\">primarily for mental health or behavioural conditions<!-- --><\/a> such as ADHD. That is 44% of all working age claimants, according to the independent economic think-tank, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).<!-- --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 gfTVSf\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-a34861b-1 jxzoZC\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medexperts.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 cOpVbP hide-when-no-script\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medexperts.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/c3b0e0c0-00f2-11f0-b50e-9d086302645f.png.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 efFcac\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"sc-518485e5-0 DkKTF\">How might the rules be changed?<!-- --><\/h2>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">There is a push by ministers to encourage people into work.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">The eligibility criteria for Pip is set to be tightened significantly, which could mean changing the scoring system for those who qualify.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Applicants are scored on a points based system based on their ability to carry out everyday tasks and on their mobility. Those who score 8-11 points receive the standard rate of Pip, and those who score 12 points and over are eligible for the enhanced rate. <!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">The government also wants more frequent reassessments of those claiming the benefit. However, those who are deemed to have the highest levels of a permanent condition or disability may no longer be any reassessments.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Initially, it was thought they might not increase Pip payments in line with inflation for a year &#8211; but that idea is thought to have been withdrawn after Labour MPs voiced opposition.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">When Pip was introduced in 2013, the aim was to save \u00a31.4bn a year by reducing the number of people eligible for payments.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">However, initial savings were modest and the number of claimants has risen.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Pip is now the second-largest element of the working-age welfare bill, with spending expected to almost double to \u00a334bn by 2029-30.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Overall, the government currently spends \u00a365bn a year on health and disability-related benefits. This is projected to increase to \u00a3100bn by 2029.<!-- --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 gfTVSf\">\n<div data-testid=\"image\" class=\"sc-a34861b-1 jxzoZC\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medexperts.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/grey-placeholder.png\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 cOpVbP hide-when-no-script\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medexperts.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/3e310940-03cf-11f0-9bb2-ab6d3a01d537.jpg.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Bar chart showing health and disability benefits spending in 2023-24 by group, and forecasts for spending to 2029-30. In 2023-24, spending on working-age adults was \u00a348.5bn, while spending on pensioners and children was \u00a316.2bn. The forecast figures rise gradually up to 2029-30, when spending is expected to be \u00a375.7bn and \u00a325bn respectively.\" class=\"sc-a34861b-0 efFcac\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"sc-518485e5-0 DkKTF\">What about changes to other benefits?<!-- --><\/h2>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"sc-18fde0d6-0 dlWCEZ\">\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Although much of the focus is on reforming Pip,  the government may also decide to make changes to other benefits.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Universal Credit is the largest working-age benefit, paid to 7.5 million people who may, or may not, be in work.<!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">Of those, more than three million Universal Credit recipients have no requirement to find work, a number that has risen sharply. <!-- --><\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-eb7bd5f6-0 fezwLZ\">The government says this is unsustainable and that it wants to help more people into jobs.<!-- --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>13 minutes ago<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=24206"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24206\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24211,"href":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24206\/revisions\/24211"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=24206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=24206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medexperts.pro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=24206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}