DWP PIP changes 'naive at best' and 'cruel at worst' with claimants 'terrified'

Disabled and mentally ill people have shared harrowing experiences of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits system. Readers have written into the Big Issue to document their experiences ahead of a crackdown and clampdown on disability benefits.

A new green paper looks to seek responses as part of a consultation over planned shake-ups to PIP, including the end of cash payments, with a move instead to vouchers, a catalogue system, and even introducing 'proof letters' of diagnosis.

One Big Issue reader wrote to the magazine saying: "I wanted to say that, as someone who has struggled with several chronic conditions for many years, and who finally had to give up a job they loved in 2023, this is very concerning.

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"I am still awaiting my health assessment and am anxious that I will be placed in the fit to work group by the DWP. I had a well paid job, working from home. I would not have given it up if I was able to continue.

"It is naive at best, cruel at worst, to believe stopping people’s benefits will mean firstly that they will magically be without a disability and able to work, and secondly that they will find an employer willing to give them a job."

"These disability reforms are making second class citizens of anyone with illness or disability. People with anxiety can be totally crippled by the condition. They have no idea. We need to stand together to protect our most vulnerable citizens," a second agreed.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Mel Stride, the DWP boss, have spoken out over the need to introduce changes to PIP. The pair have vowed to crack down on a supposed 'sicknote' culture in the UK - and crackdown on benefit fraud.

" I get the standard rate of PIP and it is currently in the renew stage. I have depression, anxiety, osteoarthritis and eating disorders, am deaf in one ear and a little in the other. I can’t hear anything behind me. I take nine tablets a day very rarely go out of the house and when I do it is with a family member. I can’t look after myself properly at this moment in time. How can I work?" a third asked.