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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Labour PIP benefit cuts

258 replies

Stickytoffeepudding6 · 25/09/2024 21:01

Can someone help me please?

I'm absolutely spiraling. I've just read up about the Labour conference and everything about PIP reforms.

I'm absolutely panicking. I feel like giving up. I'm on PIP with mental health.

I do work. Part time.

OP posts:
tuvamoodyson · 26/09/2024 10:02

beeloubee · 25/09/2024 21:51

Like to see this prick with a delayed diagnosis of broken neck like me plus tethered cord with no treatment from NHS return back to work. What a Prat. People are long term sick for a reason, another out of touch politician.

Not everyone…

Alltheprettyseahorses · 26/09/2024 10:04

Pedestriancrossing · 26/09/2024 09:50

@Alltheprettyseahorses but WFA will still be paid to those who are most poor and vulnerable. The issue is those just above the cut off for pension credit, and I think that provision should have been made to include more people in the eligible group. However it is a fact that WFA was being paid to many who clearly didn't need it. FWIW if I were Rachel Reeves I would not have launched my stay in office with the WFA changes, but there you go.

WFA is categorically not still being paid to those who need it most. It's just been removed from them with immediate effect. Have you ever heard of the boiling frog analogy? Yeah, that.

Let's just hope this winter is relatively mild and please support your local food bank. Lives will depend on it.

LadyKenya · 26/09/2024 10:11

Doowahdiddydiddydumtittydoo · 26/09/2024 07:03

PIP consists of;
Standard Daily Living Component £72.65 pw
Enhanced Daily Living Component £108.55 pw
Standard Mobility Component £28.70 pw
Enhanced Mobility Component £75.75 pw

That's PIP rates. There are no other components of PIP. £737.20 once every 28 days if you are awarded enhanced rates in both components. It is EXTREMELY difficult to qualify for both at enhanced level. Most get £100ish a week or less.

So, I'm calling utter bollocks on £1600 for one person.

There may be other benefits but that's not PIP and OP is talking about PIP.

Also, I find it despicable that an able bodied person thinks they have the right to judge how much someone in a wheelchair, who is both physically and mentally disabled, needs to get by. All the extra shit being disabled costs never reveals itself until it's you. Just the sheer amount of price gouging that goes on in the disabled "personal care" sector astounding. It can be worse than that in the pharmaceutical industry. I bought my wheelchair off ebay, new, for £350. Other "care" places were selling it, exact model, for anything up to £1200.

OP. I too am scared of what they might do to PIP. Terrified actually. I'd been seriously ill and unable to work for eleven years before I even dared apply. We were struggling to get by on DH's wage alone. Both of us petrified he'd get sick or I'd get even worse. I got worse, much much worse. As in, nearly dying several times worse. Funancial stress played a big role. It's all very well living on the edge but when something extra bad happens, you're screwed. We both caught covid. Had it really bad. Two weeks off work. I had to sell/scrap thirty years of sentimental jewellery anniversary/birthday gifts and both our wedding rings to pay the bills and it still wasn't enough. Then six months on, heart attack with bonus organ failures...8 days off work...couldn’t catch up...massive rent arrears as he is the only person I've got to look after me. Now, I have to sit here alone all day while he goes to work, to make ends meet, even with PIP. I'm at risk for sudden heart death. I can't even go for a piss, 8 feet away, without ending up in pieces physically. I use the PIP for medicines/appliances/supplies/travel. NHS help causes a need for some of it but they cannot/won't supply the extra stuff required (as in meds that cause incontinence, rashes and various other things). I've had to buy a ton of stuff the rules say I should get for free because the assessment waiting times are too long or are not available at all locally due to lack of funds. I go without whatever I can so I can save some of that PIP up for when the next utter disaster hits. What non disabled people would refer to as a minor inconvenience can be devastating if you're already on the edge. It's not all about needing that exact amount of PIP THAT month. One whole month's worth of PIP is not enough to cover a bad two weeks with no wages. In fact it covers one...just about...being careful.

Applying for PIP was very stressful. Even the PIP assessor showed sympathy for my situation and they've got a reputation as hard-nosed. I don’t think I can deal with any more stress without it killing me.

Well said. PIP payments do not even cover the extra expenses that come hand, in hand, with being disabled, imo.

deltabluesandpinks · 26/09/2024 10:15

@LadyKenya

"
WFA is categorically not still being paid to those who need it most. It's just been removed from them with immediate effect. Have you ever heard of the boiling frog analogy? Yeah, that.

Let's just hope this winter is relatively mild and please support your local food bank. Lives will depend on it."

The ones that need it most will be on pension credit as they have the lowest income. So no, I don't agree with your post

Gruttenberg · 26/09/2024 10:16

randomchap · 25/09/2024 22:23

Removing a £200 annual benefit from some pensioners whilst increasing the state pension by more than that is not plunging people into poverty.

Saying that it is, is just scaremongering and frankly makes you look foolish

Is the pension increase immediate? No, it’s next April. Can the pensioners delay putting the heating on until next April? No. Should Labour have delayed until next year so pensioners had some warning, and actually looked at this properly? Yes, it’s no brainer!

Absolutely anyone can be badly affected by any changes they rush through.

Frankly your comment makes you look foolish.

EasternStandard · 26/09/2024 10:21

Gruttenberg · 26/09/2024 10:16

Is the pension increase immediate? No, it’s next April. Can the pensioners delay putting the heating on until next April? No. Should Labour have delayed until next year so pensioners had some warning, and actually looked at this properly? Yes, it’s no brainer!

Absolutely anyone can be badly affected by any changes they rush through.

Frankly your comment makes you look foolish.

Edited

Exactly it's pretty simple

Those COL payments were during winter not April. I'm sure the pp wouldn't have said fine then

Bonkers the April thing

EasternStandard · 26/09/2024 10:23

Pedestriancrossing · 26/09/2024 09:44

@EasternStandard PIP isn't an out-of-work benefit so not linked to getting people back into work. My guess would be that ESA and UC will have changes put in place in relation to those claiming as an out of work benefit on the grounds of ill health. For PIP, maybe tighter eligibility criteria (though they are already tight).

I can't see what they'd do for those you list that won't be punitive but I guess we'll see

anniegun · 26/09/2024 10:23

Scaremongering rubbish

ThrillhouseVanHouten · 26/09/2024 10:28

As a working disabled person, I welcome support for people with additional needs to remain in or return to employment. Make it easier. Support businesses in making adaptations to help people with disabilities work.

I could survive financially without my PIP. But since receiving it, I've been mindful of the things I spend more on because of my disability.

XenoBitch · 26/09/2024 10:29

caringcarer · 25/09/2024 21:54

I would imagine it's because if you get top level PIP for care and mobility and are claiming UC too then they pay you extra for having a disability too, so really you get credited and paid twice for being disabled. It happens with children who claim DLA and then parents get paid extra because they have a disabled DC too. I would think if they wanted to reduce disability payments they would stop people being paid twice for disability payments once from PIP/DLA and then again through UC. I have read that Labour want to crack down on mental health issues too particularly those who suffer from Anxiety and are too anxious to go out to work. I don't know the answer maybe working from home might help if they get anxious going out. The previous Tory government were considering introducing vouchers instead of cash for the disabled. I don't know how that would have worked for services but I suppose ok for disability aids or incontinence pads etc.

UC and DLA/PIP are seperate. No one is "paid twice" for being disabled. For starters, you can be eligible for one and not the other. PIP is to cover the extra costs of disability, and UC is to cover everyday living costs. Some people (not all) need both. An example would be someone who is unable to work (so gets UC), and uses PIP to pay for and run a wheelchair, medical equipment etc.

Luio · 26/09/2024 10:30

I am a hundred percent happy to pay tax to support people who are too disabled/sick to work. That is basically what the welfare state is meant to be for. However, record numbers of people receiving PIP combined with one of the highest debt interest costs in the developed world, we can only afford to continue giving it to people who really need it. Obviously PIP isn’t the only issue though.

Whatafustercluck · 26/09/2024 10:34

A new government means change and, understandably, change can cause anxiety about worst case scenarios. I think you're genuinely concerned op, and your anxiety is probably being fed by the news coverage of other benefits decisions the government has recently made.

All I can say is that at this point it is purely speculation - and speculation that is being sewn by the predominantly right wing press. I know it's an anxious time for many, but please try not to envisage a worst case scenario that is unlikely to play out. Much of the government's rhetoric has been around support. A nuanced approach is likely the most obvious outcome. We're used to hearing 'Reform' as Tory code for 'slash and burn'. Reform can mean just that - change where needed, retain/ improve/ increase support where needed.

Ponoka7 · 26/09/2024 10:36

@Stickytoffeepudding6 the cuts in PIP talked about are the ones the previous government was going to implement. The press are out to demonise Labour. Labour proposals are to cut waiting times for medical issues stopping people from working. In theory some people could work, but rely on antibiotics over winter, but can't get them for weeks, no employer will put up with the sickness levels just because of a lack of GP etc appointments. Also there's much needed work related courses, such as Microsoft office etc, that is wanted by employers. People returning to work/the over 50's don't necessarily want/need nationally recognised qualification based courses, just a refresh to show employers that they are competent. The previous government wanted people back in offices etc, Labour want employers to justify why the job can't be done remotely.

The proposed changes wouldn't apply to you because you are in work.

TigerRag · 26/09/2024 10:36

wickerlady · 26/09/2024 08:44

Well they won't cut it for the genuinely ill or disabled so as long as you're not swinging the lead, you'll be fine.

People said that about PIP. But so many people are denied it and then money is wasted because they need to go to tribunal. That tribunal and all the stress could have been avoided if they were assessed properly in the first place.

Julen7 · 26/09/2024 10:45

EasternStandard · 26/09/2024 10:21

Exactly it's pretty simple

Those COL payments were during winter not April. I'm sure the pp wouldn't have said fine then

Bonkers the April thing

Yes and in fact the pension increase is not paid until May

Julen7 · 26/09/2024 10:47

Whatafustercluck · 26/09/2024 10:34

A new government means change and, understandably, change can cause anxiety about worst case scenarios. I think you're genuinely concerned op, and your anxiety is probably being fed by the news coverage of other benefits decisions the government has recently made.

All I can say is that at this point it is purely speculation - and speculation that is being sewn by the predominantly right wing press. I know it's an anxious time for many, but please try not to envisage a worst case scenario that is unlikely to play out. Much of the government's rhetoric has been around support. A nuanced approach is likely the most obvious outcome. We're used to hearing 'Reform' as Tory code for 'slash and burn'. Reform can mean just that - change where needed, retain/ improve/ increase support where needed.

Just like the WFA cut then. Extremely nuanced.

Namechange7364 · 26/09/2024 10:54

caringcarer · 25/09/2024 21:54

I would imagine it's because if you get top level PIP for care and mobility and are claiming UC too then they pay you extra for having a disability too, so really you get credited and paid twice for being disabled. It happens with children who claim DLA and then parents get paid extra because they have a disabled DC too. I would think if they wanted to reduce disability payments they would stop people being paid twice for disability payments once from PIP/DLA and then again through UC. I have read that Labour want to crack down on mental health issues too particularly those who suffer from Anxiety and are too anxious to go out to work. I don't know the answer maybe working from home might help if they get anxious going out. The previous Tory government were considering introducing vouchers instead of cash for the disabled. I don't know how that would have worked for services but I suppose ok for disability aids or incontinence pads etc.

I also think that this is absurd and unfair. The DLA is there to compensate for the disability, so why do those on UC get hundreds of pounds extra?

I claim DLA for one DC, but work and am not entitled to UC. I don't then get an extra amount from my employer!

Namechange7364 · 26/09/2024 11:07

XenoBitch · 26/09/2024 10:29

UC and DLA/PIP are seperate. No one is "paid twice" for being disabled. For starters, you can be eligible for one and not the other. PIP is to cover the extra costs of disability, and UC is to cover everyday living costs. Some people (not all) need both. An example would be someone who is unable to work (so gets UC), and uses PIP to pay for and run a wheelchair, medical equipment etc.

I only know about DLA, but what @caringcarer is saying is that if your child is eligible for DLA, those on UC then get an additional disabled child element of UC which can be another few hundred pounds. So effectively being paid twice. I work and don't claim UC, so I only get DLA for my child. So my child is getting less for their disability, even though they might have the same disability.

ALovelyCupOfNameChange · 26/09/2024 11:15

The papers are waging war on keir.

think how much weight the papers carried with conservatives.
they would float an idea, papers print it and depending on the outcome would depend if they back tracked or ran with it.

Labour are not running a popularity contest like conservatives , just trying to clear up the mess.

EasternStandard · 26/09/2024 11:17

Julen7 · 26/09/2024 10:45

Yes and in fact the pension increase is not paid until May

Edited

Labour sold the April line as a way to divert from the WFA cut over winter, and their own earlier report on 4000 deaths.

But this time no impact assessment

And people repeat it

XenoBitch · 26/09/2024 11:18

Namechange7364 · 26/09/2024 11:07

I only know about DLA, but what @caringcarer is saying is that if your child is eligible for DLA, those on UC then get an additional disabled child element of UC which can be another few hundred pounds. So effectively being paid twice. I work and don't claim UC, so I only get DLA for my child. So my child is getting less for their disability, even though they might have the same disability.

Edited

But if you don't work due to caring for a disabled DC, then surely that is what that payment is for?
Does it stop when the DC reach adulthood, and transfers to PIP?

Whammyammy · 26/09/2024 11:18

🤣🤣🤣 I wonder how many people claiming PIP voted Labour.

LePetitMaman · 26/09/2024 11:22

hoglets · 25/09/2024 21:19

please stop posting this nonsense. None of this is true otherwise you would provide some links. It's total BS.

This.

Stop causing more of the problem.

TigerRag · 26/09/2024 11:23

XenoBitch · 26/09/2024 11:18

But if you don't work due to caring for a disabled DC, then surely that is what that payment is for?
Does it stop when the DC reach adulthood, and transfers to PIP?

You don't get an extra amount on UC as an adult if you claim PIP. But if you're under 35 and single, PIP care does entitle you to the one bedroom rate LHA instead of the shared room rate. (And in some cases, an extra room for an overnight carer)

Namechange7364 · 26/09/2024 11:24

XenoBitch · 26/09/2024 11:18

But if you don't work due to caring for a disabled DC, then surely that is what that payment is for?
Does it stop when the DC reach adulthood, and transfers to PIP?

No, because they can also claim a carer's element of UC on top of that!

And for those who have DC in school, they do no more caring than I do.

I honestly don't know what happens when the DC reach adulthood; transfer to PIP is at 16, so I assume they can still claim the disabled child element for another couple of years.

It would be easy enough for me to give up work and claim UC, and I would be no worse off... And there would be no expectations on me to look for another job because I have a disabled child. We have peaks and troughs with my child and in those troughs, it is something that I have considered.