A Green Paper has been written to make changes to the Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in the UK. Currently, these payments can be applied for by Disabled and neurodivergent people – including those with mental health conditions. The money awarded can be spent by this person however they see fit. The payments are given monthly over 1-10 years depending on the persons “needs” which are assessed in several different ways through the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

PIP, as it stands is not brilliant – it takes a lot of energy and time to apply for and often ends up in tribunals, most of which can be won if they are appealed against. The whole application process can take years and is exceedingly dehumanising and puts lots of pressure on people who often do not have the time, energy or wherewithal to apply.

Could the PIP system (and all other ‘benefits’) do with a change? Yes. However, the Modernising Support for Independent Living: The Health and Disability Green Paper proposes changes which will make this process more difficult and for some impossible.

This Green Paper has been used for political gain in the run-up to the UK elections in Summer 2024. However, it still stands as potential policy which could change regular payments to vouchers, one-off grants, a catalogue/shop scheme or a receipt-based system. These proposed systems would leave Disabled people with less support and autonomy over our needs and treatments.

Every Disabled person who depends on PIP to live needs our urgent input. The Government needs to know that we support Disabled people’s right to thrive, nut just survive.

Please partake in the consultation here.

You do not need to be in the UK or be a PIP claimant to be involved.