One in six PIP claimants have no extra costs linked to their disability

[Allseeingallknowing]

https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/40693771/pip-claimants-disability-benefit/
So, can money be saved here?

It would be a disastrous idea. What you would get would be people using their vouchers to buy approved things that they don't want or need, then selling those things to others for cash at below their market value. You'd end up with a thriving black market. All because people like you want to patronise those who are poorer.

A voucher scheme in place of a PIP payment, has already been mooted, and discounted, for good reasons. Many posters have already taken the time, to detail why it would not be viable. It remains to be seen, what the Government's plans are for PIP, going forward.

I can imagine it’s very much like looking after a child which we as all parents do (right down to buying their pants for them!) whilst also having to deal with the additional medical admin burden which I imagine would be frustrating given the current quality of the systems.

If we look at event tickets alone, 14% of UK concert goers have been victims of fake tickets. Fake football tickets are very common too
https://anyseats.net/blog/how-to-spot-fake-football-tickets

Fraud on uber accounts is rife https://www.cbsnews.com/news/uber-doordash-lyft-rented-stolen-accounts-fraud-rideshare-food-delivery/

Train ticket fraud is very lucrative
https://www.facebook.com/yorkshirepost.newspaper/posts/two-university-students-pulled-off-a-jaw-dropping-140000-train-ticket-scam-by-ca/1102173925448203/

plane tickets also easily faked
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c743d7vdwzyo

It would be a doddle to fake some vouchers or post a fake gov approved catalog for disability equipment, or generate fake receipts for reimbursement.

I have three children. Two are non disabled, one is disabled. In our particular case, it is impossible to compare the care of our non disabled children to the care of our disabled child. It just isn’t in the same ball park.

That is exactly what happened when food stamps (vouchers or restricted debit cards for food) were used instead of cash benefits.

But they’re family? And surely have a responsibility to look after their family members eg by way of taxiing them.

This is what a prep poster was meaning re. people seem to expect the state to step in and support (in this case, by paying for the family members time - and fuel - if I’ve understood correctly) rather that it being an accepted responsibility to care for one’s family.

As an example, I commented on a dif thread. I have international family and in their country (European) it’s traditional for parents to move back in with children (note: into apartments so not luxurious mansions) as they age and need care. We used to do similar in the uk but nowadays people are aghast at the concept of having to (heaven forbid) care for loved ones.

Yes. Of course many people would. In immediate family, just had DB take time off (days, as major op needing recovery support) to support his child through an op (inc all the travel etc costs). Because… that’s what family do!

You do realise that’s possible….? All you’d have to do is count over say a week or two then multiply… wouldn’t be that far out

And honestly, that’s great if you have family who can do that! I am very envious.
My family, including my brother, are dead. My in laws live abroad. I’m sure if any of them were able to, they would help.
But also when your child is disabled these aren’t one off things. This is every day life. We have had appointments every week, usually more than once a week, for years and years.

I’d be interested in seeing examples of where people see the concept as “punishment” as it’s not something I’ve come across and would be amazed by. Could you share them please?

And what on earth do they live on?

My 17yr old has adhd gets PIP this is where it’s spent: uber to specialist college two days a week as can’t organise in time and would be removed otherwise (costs £100); during GCSE’s £800 pcm on tuition to have a side by side so she did do work (as can’t self organise) got great grades so will be employable as an adult; specialist exercise sessions to support concentration and posture.

if you do spend the money right it does really enhance their employability welfare and life

Spending the money 'right' will be different for every disabled person though, as our needs, are all different. And some disabled people will never be able to work, despite the money being spent 'right'.

Caring for someone disabled goes way above what is normal for family! People do it because they love their relative but we can’t downplay the massive cost - financial and otherwise - of that.

Having to get up multiple times during the night to deal with a 17 year old isn’t “normal”

Changing feeding tubes isn’t “normal”

having to always have someone trained in your emergency care to hand isn’t “normal”

We need to show more respect for unpaid carers not try to downplay what they do as being a normal part of being family.

Exactly. I have 2 non disabled children. I have a good idea, therefore, what is involved in caring for children in a ‘normal’ family, because that is also part of our life.
The care involved with my disabled child is so far from ‘normal’. It cannot be compared in any way, shape or form.

We couldn’t do this. DH (not on pip) has a degenerative disease.
some years can be normal and predictable and sometimes it’s bloody constant. Consultants will decide that he needs a whole load of tests and scans and things, even if another department has done them, they want them done again. Some are local and some are needed regionally (can be a 2 hour trip each way). He regularly gets texts asking for blood tests, goes for one, day later asking for another. The NHS is very inefficient in this way.
A consultant will decide that they want to study something or test new/different medications which knocks on to more visits/tests.
A few weeks ago he had 8 appointments in one week, luckily our doctors is very good and pushed some together.

I guess an easy criticism is ‘what if a family member typically provides a taxi service’…..well then there’s no extra cost is there?

Great! Can you let me know where the free petrol/diesel/electric is?

I never realised the obsession with people wanting to give friends / family petrol money. It’s never something I’d thought of as it’s never something I would have expected friends / family to want if they’re helping out.

Mentioning one element that needs to be considered is the same as an obsession. Not having to think about it is a privilege not all have. Some friends/family can only help out if they are reimbursed for their costs.

You do realise that’s possible….? All you’d have to do is count over say a week or two then multiply… wouldn’t be that far out

No. It isn’t possible for many. That isn’t how fluctuating conditions work.

Caring is not the same as looking after a child with some extra admin. It isn’t just a normal part of family life either. It is beyond what normal family roles are.

Has it ever occurred to you that caring for adult disabled children and parents carries a cost, and that people may not have the financial means to carry that cost? Of course you haven't.

Just because we always used to do things a certain way that doesn't mean it's feasible or desirable now.

I don't need to. The business case against vouchers is clear. The reasons why you don't accept that are yours to answer for. If you accept that there are no savings to be made by introducing a voucher system, then what is left by way of reasons for wanting it? It can only be not trusting disabled people, not wanting them to have the independence to spend their money as they see fit. In other words - punishment, because you want to impose a greater level of scrutiny on them than you do on non-disabled people.

People mention catalogues and vouchers - with disabled students allowance, you're assessed and part of that assessment shows what you've been awarded and how much it costs. They use certain suppliers and it's (or was when I was a student) more expensive than just popping to Currys to buy a laptop. As soon as the word disabled is slapped on an item it's more expensive. It's cheaper to go on a website like Amazon and pay the VAT

What works for one disabled person won't work for another. I think we know our needs best

For some people, having their aging parents moving in with them would mean they might have to quit work. Some people need specialist care, and 24/7 of it.

Money IS vouchers.

I am glad I am sat down, because I am shock I am agreeing with you... 😅but yes, money IS vouchers.
Why change something that already works?
What is going be gained by changing to vouchers?

It is a moot point, as it wont happen anyway. It seems to be certain sectors of frothing benefit bashers who want vouchers to happen... because they think the only effect it will have on them will be paying less tax. It won't.

It might if there’s a change of govt in two years.