Copyright dailyrecord
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed eligibility for the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be reviewed alongside the daily living element, as part of the UK Government's welfare reforms. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms will co-produce the review with disabled groups and charities, which is expected to be completed by Autumn next year. PIP claimants awarded the higher rate of the PIP mobility component can transfer some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme . DWP was recently asked to “consider the benefits to which PIP is a gateway, such as Motability, disability premiums, Council Tax discounts and Blue Badges”. Sir Stephen told MPs: “We have made it clear that we will co-produce our review of the PIP assessment with disabled people and representatives of disability organisations. “The review will cover the assessment for the mobility component, which leads on to the Motability scheme, and other entitlements to which PIP is a gateway.” The latest figures from Motability Operations - the company behind the life-changing Motability Scheme - show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including around 80,000 living in Scotland. There are currently over 3.2 million Blue Badge permit holders across the UK, including over 235,700 in Scotland. DWP data also shows that just over 3m PIP claimants receive either the standard or higher rate of the mobility component. This is made up of 1,961,029 claimants with the higher payment award , worth £77.05 per week and 1,111,219 on the standard award rate of £29.20 per week. There are currently more than 3.8 million people claiming PIP across England and Wales - all Scots have now been transferred to Adult Disability Payment. In a written question to the DWP, former Labour and now an Independent MP, Rachel Maskell asked what steps it is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to co-produce policy changes to mobility allowances’ of PIP. In a written response on October 27, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, said: “The PIP mobility element is in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future. “We will co-produce the Review with disabled people, and their organisations to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work. We will provide an update shortly. “We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded.” Speculation is growing that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could reform parts of the Motability scheme, to make savings at the Autumn Budget in November. PIP can help people over the age of 16 and under State Pension age with the extra financial costs for more than 500 health issues or disabling conditions, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these. The latest figures from the DWP show more than 3.8m people across Great Britain were receiving PIP at the end of July. A successful claim for PIP is now worth between £29.20 and £187.45 each week to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs. However, an award for PIP may enable claimants to access means-tested benefits even if they have previously been told they are not eligible. This is because entitlement to PIP or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland, can act as a gateway or passport to other benefits, such as Carer's Allowance - or Carer Support Payment in Scotland - and schemes sponsored by other departments, such as the Blue Badge . For many benefits and schemes there are additional qualifying conditions, but for some, including the Blue Badge, there are alternative ways of accessing the benefit that do not rely on a particular rate or component of PIP, or ADP. While you may not qualify for any or all of these benefits, it’s worthwhile checking to make sure you are not missing out on additional support. For a full list of additional support for people in Scotland on Adult Disability Payment and other devolved disability benefits, visit the MYGOV.SCOT website here. Anyone who has already claimed PIP or has a general query about their award and what else they may be entitled to claim should call the Disability Service Centre . You can contact them for advice or information about a claim you’ve already made for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance. Full contact details including phone numbers can be found on the GOV.UK website. .
