Pip benefit overhaul could see walking aids offered over cash

Disability claimants could be given more face-to-face appointments while others receive less money in exchange for equipment such as walking aids instead, in plans to shake up the personal independent payment (Pip) system.

In a review led by Sir Stephen Timms, the disability minister, Pip would be overhauled. It comes after he described the system for applying for the benefit as “dehumanising” and “degrading”.

The benefit which is worth up to £194 a week is claimed by more than four million people. It’s meant to fund the added cost of living with a disability and individuals are able to claim the benefit regardless of their employment status.

Currently claimants need to submit their response to a points based questionnaire that assesses difficulties in everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, eating and getting around.

This survey is used for every application, but under the new system this questionnaire would be replaced with an assessment that categorises applicants depending on their disability and puts them on different pathways.

While the new system may still use points, it aims to move away from a blanket one-size-fits-all approach.

Changes could include a fast-track process to allow new claimants with terminal illnesses to be awarded Pip sooner.

The award review process may be changed to ensure that people with lifelong or degenerative conditions are not being subject to award reviews where no improvement in their condition is expected over time.

There could be an increased use of digital options for people claiming and receiving PIP, to make the process more accessible for everybody, including the development of an online portal. However, offline alternatives will be kept to avoid any exclusion.

Sir Stephen’s review was announced last year after ministers backed down on proposals to tweak the PIP assessment criteria to make it effectively harder to claim – and slash £4.8bn from welfare spending in the process.

More than 100 Labour MPs threatened to vote against the government on the measures, prompting Sir Stephen to announce his review.

Under present conditions, the cost of Pip is expected to rise to more than £41 billion per year by 2030.

In an update on the Timms review DWP said: “These are not our final recommendations. They are a starting point that we now want people to test, challenge and help us to improve.

“The emerging recommendations are annexed to this letter and are being shared with participants ahead of our shaping recommendations workshops, which begin on 15 September.”