Key DWP update as PIP claimants 'could get just one payment'

Key DWP update as PIP claimants 'could get just one payment' The Resolution Foundation has published a new report Approximately one in six working-age people claiming disability benefits do not incur additional expenses because of their conditions, a new report has revealed while highlighting potential "waste" within the system. Personal Independence Payment, commonly known as PIP, is intended to support people with the extra costs associated with living with a disability. However, the Resolution Foundation stated that its research indicated 16% of claimants surveyed reported zero costs arising from their condition. The think tank calculated that £4.4 billion could potentially be saved if payments were withdrawn or reduced, based on the degree of limitations reported by those claiming no additional expenses. Savanta polled 2,611 PIP recipients aged 16-64 across England and Wales during May and June, discovering that 12% of those with no costs experienced low limitations, while 4% had no costs despite higher level limitations. The foundation noted such a reform would particularly affect younger PIP claimants, having established that a fifth (21%) of current 16 to 24-year-old recipients reported minimal limitation and no extra costs from their disability. One-off PIP payments proposed Additionally, the think tank proposed one-off payments instead of ongoing support for individuals who reported specific costs rather than daily requirements. The research discovered 30% of those with higher costs reported expenses relating to appliances, such as purchasing a mobility aid, and over a fifth (22%) reported requiring one-off adaptations, such as modifications to their home or vehicle. The report suggested that the assessment process should be overhauled to directly ask claimants about their additional costs and what assistance would enable them to lead more fulfilling lives. It also called for more regular but "lower-stakes check-ins" with recipients to gain a clearer picture of fluctuating conditions "and reduce the stress created by infrequent but high-stakes assessments". Latest on PIP review A Government review into PIP, along with proposals for reform, is anticipated to be released this autumn. Louise Murphy, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: "PIP is a vital benefit for disabled people that enables them to participate in society and live more independently. But the current system is failing on several fronts – recipients don't trust it, awards don't fully reflect the nature of disability today and spending is rising unsustainably. "As well as continuing to provide cash awards to help with ongoing additional costs, a reformed PIP system should focus more on support for people to participate in society. A system more attuned to people's needs would also mean that around one in six people who don't face additional costs because of their disability would either no longer qualify for support, or only receive limited help. "While there is no perfect system of disability support, one that better reflects the fact that people often have multiple and fluctuating conditions could target greater support and engagement where it's needed, and avoid waste where it's not." The cost of PIP PIP expenditure stood at £16.3 billion in 2019-20, adjusted to today's prices for inflation, rising sharply to £27.3 billion by 2024-25, according to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures released in September. Projections suggest this figure will soar further to £41.5 billion by 2030-31. As of July 31, 2026, a total of 4.09 million people were entitled to claim PIP, the latest data reveals. This marks an increase from 3.83 million the previous year – a jump of 262,045, or 7%. The number of claimants has approximately doubled since comparable records began in January 2019, when the total was 2.05 million. Learning disability charity Mencap challenged the Resolution Foundation survey, stating it was "inconsistent with our own research and understanding around the importance of PIP and what people with a learning disability and their families spend it on". Chief executive Jon Sparkes said: "A learning disability is lifelong. The extra costs that come with it don't go away, and neither should adequate support to meet them". He stated PIP "can be a lifeline when it comes to covering energy costs, attending appointments, sensory aids and taking part in community life", emphasising that system reforms should be "shaped by disabled people" during the Government's ongoing review. A DWP spokesperson said: "PIP is awarded based on a functional assessment that determines how a condition impacts a person's day-to-day needs. But as the Timms Review report made clear, PIP is no longer fit for purpose and the recommendations from its final report will lay the foundation for sustainable reform."