New PIP changes and this B of a government.

[Sploshed]

Good afternoon all, what a wonderful day..

So these new changes due to come into effect in a few months, I have been told they haven't passed law...rishi's government will be out next GE in a few months so this may never even take off, but its also worth noting from what I've seen that the changes are NOT for current PIP claimants who are in the "Severe" or "worst" category claimers, it seems to be only for new applicants and those currently claiming whose conditions are in the "Mild" category.

This government wants to "Save money" and by doing this is very questionable more so when we are spending billions on waste projects...

I am a conservative but cant stand these lot, Can anyone add factual info or correct me on any of this please?

Thanks in advance.

I

what’s the mild category definition?

It's all proposals not formalised changes, hth.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/modernising-support-for-independent-living-the-health-and-disability-green-paper/modernising-support-for-independent-living-the-health-and-disability-green-paper#chapter-2pipeligibility-reform

This is the green paper setting out the proposed changes. It has a very long way to go before this becomes law. It is still under consultation and it would be a good idea for people who feel strongly about it to reply to the consultation.

NOT for current PIP claimants who are in the "Severe" or "worst" category claimers, it seems to be only for new applicants and those currently claiming whose conditions are in the "Mild" category

That doesn't make sense. PIP isn't given based on the diagnosis/condition.

I think it’s about mental health conditions?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0ry09d50wo

How do you know if you are classed as being in the "mild" or "severe" category?

I feel that they want to align PIP with direct payments - and eventually they’d want every penny accounted for and verified with a yearly audit as is the case with direct payments 🤔

I assume standard rate - mild, enhanced rate - severe

@Prefrontalcortexdamage Thanks, that's what I suspected. That's worrying as my dh has psychosis, GAD and severe anxiety and depression (that's his official diagnosis) Yet he always gets awarded the "standard" rate of PIP. We've never appealed it as, after all the stress of worrying if he's going to be awarded it again, I never have the energy to argue with them. I also wonder how this will effect carers?

I can unfortunately see carers and carers allowance being the next target (and I worry they’ll remove the no work activity required under UC for carers)

From the link above it looks like they are targeting mental health and neurodivergent people.

Maybe provide some mental healthcare or support for neurodivergent conditions. The waiting list to see a psychiatrist is currently 3 years in my area.

Even the Tories wouldn't be daft enough to target Carer's Allowance. Where else would they source 35 hours+ care a week for £81.90?

@Prefrontalcortexdamage That's my worry too. I am currently full time carer for my dh. I don't know what he'd do if I had to leave him alone all day to go to work. I'm not workshy, I worked full time for nearly 40 years before giving it up to look after him. I wonder if the Government will provide him with another full time carer in my place, they'd certainly have to pay them a lot more than the carer's allowance they pay me!

I'm autistic and a few different MH conditions, so I guess I'll be targeted. I get enhanced rate for daily living and mobility though. I'm fortunate that I'm not financially dependent on getting PIP, though for me it's just as much about the recognition. And having to deal with audits and justifying my spending would be a disaster, I just cannot keep up with paperwork like that.

I don't think DWP would have the resources to do this!

Please be careful not to scaremonger, there are a lot of anxious disabled people who are worried about this, even though the proposals are just proposals right now.

@IClaudine I don't think the other poster is "scaremongering". This is a very real situation and people need to be aware of it. There is currently another thread running entitled "PIP not renewed" where this exact situation, someone trying to renew PIP for mental health reasons, has been turned down when it was awarded previously. PIP claimants can't just bury their heads in the sand about this and they should make their feelings known at election time.

Sorry, I meant scaremongering about auditing PIP spend. That hasn't been mooted and I doubt it ever will.

People are worried enough about the Green Paper already and I dont think it's fair to add to that worry with suggestions that aren't even on the table.

Absolutely agree that people need to make their feelings known about this at election time, although sadly Labour are also making noises about disability benefits. It is a tough time for disabled people and their carers,

It's a load of bollocks.

Can you imagine the DWP ever paying the equivalent of the care people (a) require, or (b) provide, for between £28.70 and £184.30 a week?

Even on the maximum £184.30 you'd be lucky to get a carer doing half an hour a day of personal care / shopping & cooking / cleaning and dealing with admin. And £28.70 would buy you one return taxi journey to the hospital where I stay, if you were lucky - and that's in a city!

You'd end up paying someone all your PIP money to deal with your PIP paperwork.

It's just posturing and crazy and flying a kite. Dead in the water policy. As if you get PIP without a diagnosis ... erm, NO.

Sunak is just making shit up now.

@IClaudine thank you and apologies for misinterpreting your comments. I agree it's also very worrying what changes Labour would also make if they got in. It's such a frightening time for sick and disabled people and their carers.

I responded with my thoughts on the Green paper
The closing date is in July, so there is still time
I'm outraged that the disabled are treated with contempt
As for the voucher system.. How fucking degrading
We are not a communist country!
I receive enhanced rates on both components as I have CP
My needs vary. One month I might need new footwear or a disability aid
Next I might need to stock up on diced chicken and prepared vegetables
Try choosing those from a catalogue!
I also think the terms have been lost in translation " sick note culture" is a separate issue.
Life's hard enough and costly enough for people with disabilities and now they're asking us to get down on our knees and beg.... Not everyone could manage to get up again Literally and metaphorically
I'll get off my soapbox now..!

Well looky here.

Report in today's Observer.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/may/12/claims-conditions-personal-independence-payments-disability-benefits-cancer-arthritis-amputees

This is what Conservatives believe in and do, OP. You might want to reconsider your political alliegence.

Good luck to people if the Conservatives remain in power. They are setting their stall out, in regards to how people living with disabilities will be treated.

I am not sure of the Labour party plans. Either way, I doubt they will be as punitive.

Ha. One for all the mumsnetters who say getting PIP is easy. But they probably only read the Mail.