Latest news with #DisabilityLivingAllowance
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Nearly 800,000 disabled children face cliff-edge over Labour's ‘devastating' welfare reforms
Nearly 800,000 disabled children face losing their health-related benefits as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirms that they will not be eligible for protections promised under the Labour's welfare concessions. Following a massive backbench rebellion over the government's welfare bill last week, work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall announced several tweaks to the legislation on Monday afternoon ahead of a crunch vote on Tuesday. But this protection will not be extended to the 773,000 under-16s currently in receipt of PIP's child equivalent, the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the DWP has confirmed. If the bill passes, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will essentially become more difficult to claim as the point-scoring system used at assessments is tightened. Currently paid to 3.7 million people, the benefit is designed to help with extra costs related to health or disability. Around 1.5 million of these would not be found eligible under the new scoring system. However, Ms Kendall confirmed to MPs that anyone in receipt of PIP when the changes come into effect in November 2026 will be subject to the old, more lenient point-scoring system at their mandatory future reassessments. Formerly one of the most common health-related benefits in Britain, DLA began to be phased out in 2013. However, it remains in place for children aged 0 to 15 as the main childhood disability benefit. Parents can apply for DLA on behalf of their children from the time of their birth onwards. However, when a child in receipt of DLA turns 16, they are invited to apply for PIP. Their DLA payments will stop if they do not apply for PIP by the deadline they are given in this invitation. The DWP has confirmed that the protections pledged for current PIP claimants under the government's concessions will not be extended to any child currently in receipt of DLA. This means any child receiving the benefit that turns 16 after November 2026 will be assessed for PIP on the new, stricter system. The current system was criticised in March as a BBC investigation revealed that amount teenagers who were invited to make the transition from DLA then rejected from claiming PIP was already a third. Should the changes pass, this statistic will likely rise. A further 350,000 adult-age DLA recipients could also face a more difficult assessment process for PIP in the future as they all face a mandatory move to the benefit in the future. Following the phasing out of DLA, many recipients born before 1948 were invited to apply for PIP, subject to a mandatory assessment. The DWP has confirmed that these invitations have been paused for now, despite just over 350,000 adult-age DLA recipients being in the age bracket to get one. These figures mean that, combined, over one million current disability benefit recipients could face tighter criteria to claim PIP, left out of Labour's concession to offer protections for current PIP claimants. The DWP has said that voluntary claims for PIP from DLA for adults can be made at anytime, meaning anyone who has yet to transition from the benefit may want to consider doing so should the bill pass on Tuesday. James Taylor, executive director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, said: 'These devastating cuts will strip support back to the bone for disabled children and their families in the future. "Life costs an enormous amount more for disabled people of all ages. Today's disabled children could be up to £8,000 a year worse off than someone older with the same needs and extra costs. "Hundreds of thousands of families will face a terrifying cliff edge in support as their children approach adulthood. 'The government needs to drop this bill, and properly engage with disabled people and MPs on how best to reform our welfare system.' Derek Sinclair, senior adviser at disability charity Contact, said: 'Last week's announcements will be a relief to existing claimants. However, it does nothing to help future claimants, including disabled children not currently old enough to claim adult disability benefits. 'We face being left with an unfair two-tier system. Future claimants will find it harder to qualify for financial support, and the benefits paid to many will be substantially lower. 'Our research has found that families with a disabled child or young person are already among the poorest households in the UK. The government should scrap its current plans until it has first carried out a proper consultation with disabled people and their carers.'
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
'I was hospitalised with a panic attack after DWP cuts news - I was frantic'
Lorraine Griffin, from Dudley, was hospitalised with a panic attack when the cuts to welfare benefits were announced earlier this year as she feared the impact on her sons A mum of two children with autism has said it is 'unthinkable' to think about how her family will suffer if they can't access vital disability benefits. Lorraine Griffin, from Dudley, was hospitalised with a panic attack when the cuts to welfare benefits were announced earlier this year. 'I was absolutely frantic because in your head, it's the worst case scenario, isn't it? Suddenly your bit of stability can just vanish, go up in smoke. It's awful. 'I'm not just talking for me. I'm talking about all the other families that I know so well, in school, in my autism groups, lots of Facebook groups, I'm talking for them too." Her sons Sam, 13, and Ben, 12, currently receive the medium and high amounts of Disability Living Allowance. But the boys will have to apply for the under-threat Personal Independence Payments when they turn 16. 'We do rely on that money for their needs... I can't even fathom in my head, not qualifying for PIP. Just because we get disability finances and disability benefits, we're not rolling in it. We're not mega rich. It doesn't mean that at all. 'It just means that that money is there for us with our everyday needs.' Lorraine said she currently needs the extra money to pay for anything from medication to clothing to taxis. She said her son Ben won't wear clothing so she has to buy leotards from a specialist website which cost an 'absolute fortune'. If their benefits were cut, she said 'a whole range of things would have to go'. 'It's unthinkable to be honest,' she added. The 53-year-old said the Government was "picking on the most vulnerable, the disabled, for goodness sake. She said: "I can't believe it.' Lorraine is pleading with Keir Starmer to hit the 'pause button' on his PIP changes. 'I hope that they see sense and just press the pause button and have another look and have another think and see what they can do. I really hope so. 'Obviously they've all got constituents like me, they need to listen, don't they, and take into consideration what it means for us. I really hope they do.'
ITV News
25-06-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Dudley mum of sons with autism hospitalised due to fears of losing disability PIP funding
A mother with two sons with autism has said the government's planned welfare changes would devastate her family's future. Lorraine Griffin, from Dudley, relies on the Disability Living Allowance for her boys, Sam and Ben, aged 12 and 13. Lorraine faces constant costs - medicine, nappies for Ben, who has more severe autism, and replacing TVs he has broken. When they reach 16, they will need to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). But news that their benefits could be at risk led to her being hospitalised from stress. Ms Griffin said: "If they attack these benefits, these payments that are our life, where on Earth will we be? "I ended up in A&E because of my heartbeat going absolutely crazy. This is everything to me, this is our life, I'm repsonsible for these boys, I'm responsible for everything they have in life." The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill is set to be voted on by MPs next Tuesday. It would make it harder for disabled people with less severe conditions to claim PIP. "Isn't life hard enough? We have got that much to process and to put up with in our daily lives, it just makes life impossible, what they're taking away from us," Ms Griffin said. She added: "Why are they rushing into this, to do it now? Do it properly. Find out what families need. Come and take a look, just slow down. Please don't, don't cut off our livelihood." A survey of 1,000 disabled people by the national disability charity SENSE found that nearly a quarter fear they will no longer be able to afford essentials like energy and food if the welfare reforms are voted in. 2 in 5 fear they'll struggle to cope financially if the changes go ahead. One in five warned that losing this support would lead them to depend more heavily on the NHS. Steven Morris, from SENSE, said: "The PIP is there to support with the additional costs of being disabled. "It may be she needs more electricity to power a ventilator or charge wheelchairs. These changes, these additional costs are not going to disappear when somebody loses their PIP. Instead, it's going to push more people into poverty." How PIP works and what's changing Those applying have to declare how complex their needs are in a list of 10 daily activities: preparing food eating and drinking managing treatments washing going to toilet getting dressed speaking reading engaging with others making decisions about money They get points for each category, the higher the number, the more restricted the person is. Under the current system, you need to score at least 8 points in total to receive the 'standard rate' of funding for the 'daily living' component. Under the new system, from November 2026, you will still need to get at least 8 points - but 4 of those need to come from at least one daily living activity. The other part of PIP - the funding for 'mobility' - will not be affected. The welfare reforms also include changes to Universal Credit, and more face-to-face assessments. There is a growing rebellion in Parliament with Labour MPs challenging the planned reforms. More than a 100 Labour MPs a publicly backing a move to block the legislation. But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said: 'We have got to make the reforms to our system. It isn't working as it is. 'It doesn't work as it stands for people who desperately need help to get into work or for people who need protection. It is broken. 'We were elected in to change that which is broken, and that's what we will do, and that's why we will press ahead with reforms.' The rebels argue disabled people have not been properly consulted about the plan and say further analysis is required before making any changes.
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP giving people of state pension age with back pain up to £441 every month
Attendance Allowance is awarded to people over state pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability of illness - see who is eligible below People of state pension age with back pain could be due up to £441 each month. Latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show 74,804 people are claiming Attendance Allowance for back pain. Attendance Allowance is awarded to people over state pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability of illness. You could also be eligible if everyday tasks take you a long time, or cause you pain or discomfort. You may qualify if you have a physical disability, mental disability, or both, and your condition means you have needed help for at least six months. Attendance Allowance is worth £73.90 a week if you need help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night, or £110.40 a week if you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you're nearing the end of your life. It is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period. You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to be eligible for Attendance Allowance. For example, you could choose to spend the money on taxis or a cleaner, to keep you independent. However, you do need to let the DWP know if your circumstances have changed, as it could affect how much Attendance Allowance you get. Attendance Allowance is not a means-tested benefit there is no limit on how much money you can have in savings. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the benefit cap. In fact, other benefits you already get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance. You won't be able to Attendance Allowance if you already get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Attendance Allowance has been replaced in Scotland with Pension Age Disability Payment. Attendance Allowance - how to claim You can claim Attendance Allowance by either printing off and sending the Attendance Allowance claim form to: Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. You can also call the Attendance Allowance helpline to request a claim form using the following numbers: Telephone: 0800 731 0122 Textphone: 0800 731 0317 Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122 British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service When filling out the form, you'll need to explain how your illness or disability affects your life. You'll also need to provide supporting information, such as GP letters, your care plans, or prescription lists. Some people are asked to attend an assessment before being awarded Attendance Allowance. If you're terminally ill, you can make a claim straight away and you'll be awarded the higher rate.
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Special tariff that can drop broadband bill to under £20
Broadband customers could save a significant amount on their monthly bills by checking if they could qualify for a social tariff with their provider - here's how you can check Broadband users looking to lower their monthly bills may not be aware that they can switch providers 50 days before their current contract ends without suffering any early termination charges. And some customers might be eligible for a social tariff with their existing provider, potentially reducing the monthly fee to less than £20. For example, Virgin Media, offers one at £12.50. At present, more than 30 broadband social tariffs are available from providers nationwide, meaning a quick call to your supplier could significantly cut your bill before the next payment is due. The full list can be found on the Ofcom website here, reports the Daily Record. The simplest way to find out if you're eligible for a cheaper broadband package is to contact your provider. If you're currently receiving benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Income Support, refer to the guide at the end of this article to see which providers consider these benefits in their eligibility criteria - this applies to individuals of all ages. Despite this, the uptake of social tariffs remains low, with only 5.1 per cent of qualifying households claiming them, suggesting that an estimated four million are missing out. Social Tariffs A social tariff could potentially save you around £200 annually. The most straightforward way to determine your eligibility for a social tariff is to directly contact your supplier and ask - even if you don't qualify, they might suggest other methods to lower your broadband bill. A new system introduced in 2022 simplifies the process for broadband providers to verify eligibility by accessing a special Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) IT system - with the claimant's consent. The DWP's system can confirm entitlement for the following benefits: Universal Credit Pension Credit Income Support Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance Income-Related Employment Support Allowance Broadband benefits and social tariffs The providers mentioned below are from Ofcom's latest guidance on social tariff broadband packages. Direct links to the broadband provider websites can be found here. PIP Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM Vodafone - UK Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Vodafone - UK Income Support BT - UK EE Basic (Now offered through BT) - UK 4th Utility - UK Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM NOW Broadband - UK Sky Broadband - UK Virgin Media - UK Vodafone - UK Jobseeker's allowance BT - UK EE Basic (Now offered through BT) - UK 4th Utility - UK Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM NOW Broadband - UK Sky Broadband - UK Virgin Media - UK Vodafone - UK Employment and support allowance BT - UK EE Basic (Now offered through BT) - UK 4th Utility - UK Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM NOW Broadband - UK Sky Broadband - UK Virgin Media - UK Vodafone - UK Care Leaver's Support Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM Housing Benefit Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales Reduced Earnings Allowance Vodafone - UK Universal Credit BT - UK EE Basic (Now offered through BT - UK 4th Utility - UK Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM NOW Broadband - UK Sky Broadband - UK Virgin Media - UK Vodafone - UK Pension Credit BT - UK EE Basic (Now offered through BT) - UK 4th Utility - UK Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM NOW Broadband - UK Sky Broadband - UK Virgin Media - UK Vodafone - UK Attendance Allowance Hyperoptic - Scotland, England and Wales KCOM
