New calls for PIP payments to continue for people with mental health conditions under DWP reforms

A new online petition is urging the UK Government to continue providing financial support for people with mental health conditions claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently announced that the disability benefit will be given a major overhaul in an effort to reduce spiralling costs.

Petition creator Daniel Hunter Donald, argues that individuals with mental health conditions “must continue to be eligible for PIP” and that “taking away lifelines from people who are struggling will cause millions of people's quality of life to reduce even further”, warning that removing the financial arm of PIP could have “fatal consequences”.

On Monday, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, launched a new Green Paper and online consultation, specifically proposing changes to the eligibility criteria, assessment process, types of support that can be offered and alternatives to the regular cash payment, which is worth between £114.80 and £737.20 every four-week payment period.

Both Sunak and Stride have said that the current PIP system operates a “one size fits all model” and “does not channel people towards bespoke support tailored to an individual’s needs”.

The DWP said: “ We want to understand whether there are other forms of support that may be more suitable for everyone, including people with mental health conditions.

“In the decade since the introduction of PIP, the nature and understanding of health and disability has also changed profoundly, and the clinical case mix has evolved in line with these broader changes including many more people applying for disability benefits with mental health and neurodivergent conditions.”

The Green Paper looks at whether there are ways the DWP can improve how it supports people, in a way that it is also “fairer to the taxpayer than the current system”.

Mr Stride said: “Our approach to transform the benefits system for disabled people and people with long term health conditions is guided by three important priorities.”

These are:

• Providing the right support to the people who need it most

• Targeting our resources most effectively

• Supporting disabled people to reach their full potential and live independently

He added: “This Green Paper will explore changes we could make to the current PIP system to ensure support is targeted where it is most needed.”

These options include:

• Considering options for amending PIP eligibility within the current functional assessment framework

• Exploring the option of an alternative assessment model focused more on a person’s condition

• Looking at different models that could be used to meet the extra costs disabled people and people with health conditions face

• Exploring greater alignment of the support offered by PIP with existing local services

You can read the ‘Modernising support for independent living: the health and disability Green Paper’ on GOV.UK here.

The ‘Ensure those with mental health conditions continue to be eligible for PIP’ petition has been posted on the petitions-parliament website and states: “The Government has announced a major review of the disability benefit system, saying this will consider alternatives to cash payments, such as treatment or access to services.

“We believe those with mental health conditions must continue to be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Many people rely on benefits to survive, and this is not a choice. We believe that taking away lifelines from people who are struggling will cause millions of people's quality of life to reduce even further, and that this could have fatal consequences.”

At 10,000 signatures it would be entitled to a written response from the UK Government. At 100,000, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in parliament - you can view it online here.