A new system of benefits being extended across the country will better reflect today’s understanding of disability, the Government has said.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – which was introduced to the north of England in April – is today replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working age claimants across England, Scotland and Wales.
However a charity has warned 428,000 people who require mobility assistance to get to work are at risk of being denied benefits.
Looking at an individual’s ability to complete a range of actions, PIP will use face-to-face reviews and regular meetings to assess entitlement.
Most DLA claimants will not be reassessed until 2015, following publication of the first independent review into the reforms in 2014. In October this year, existing working age claimants will be reassessed if their circumstances change, existing awards end, or if an individual reaches 16.
Esther McVey, Minister for Disabled People said: ‘DLA is an outdated benefit introduced over twenty years ago and was very much a product of its time.
‘The PIP has been designed to better reflect today’s understanding of disability, particularly to update our thinking on mental health and fluctuating conditions.’
Charity Disability Rights UK has warned the Government that the independence of new claimants will be jeopardised under the changes, particularly if they lack independent information on their rights to PIP.
Disability Rights UK chief executive, Liz Sayce, said: ‘Our members tell us they face an incomprehensible maze of benefits changes: the bedroom tax, housing benefit changes, changes to social care eligibility, and the introduction of PIP.
‘When benefits provide a bit of support, like an adapted car or a travelling companion for someone with a learning disability, it can make the difference between the person living for decades isolated and out of work or making a full contribution to society.’