Disability benefit review considers alternatives to cash payments

A comprehensive review of the primary disability benefit in England and Wales is examining whether recipients could receive non‑monetary support instead of cash payments in certain situations. Sir Stephen Timms, the minister leading the review, told MPs the authorities would not beryllium 'moving away' from providing currency to disabled radical to assistance them with their other surviving costs. He added that the review is looking at whether some claimants of personal independence payments (Pip) could be directed toward other forms of support. Alternatives to cash payments could include NHS treatments, specialised equipment or employment assistance. In initial findings published this week, external, Sir Stephen's review found Pip was not working for millions of disabled people and requires fundamental change. The interim report declared Pip was "not acceptable for purpose", stating that applicants had described the process as "dehumanising" and a barrier to employment. Claims for Pip, especially for conditions such as anxiety and ADHD, have risen sharply since the Covid pandemic, increasing pressure on public finances. Around 10 million working‑age people (24%) report living with a disability, compared with fewer than 17% in 2013/14. The cost of Pip is