Recent reports indicate that the UK government is planning significant reforms to welfare benefits, including the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The proposed changes aim to reduce welfare spending by £6 billion over three years. One of the measures under consideration is tightening the eligibility criteria for PIP. This could involve reassessing the definitions and considerations of aids and appliances in the assessment process.
What is PIP?
PIP is a benefit designed to assist individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities in managing the extra costs associated with daily living and mobility challenges. Eligibility for PIP is determined through specific assessment criteria that evaluate a person's ability to perform various daily activities, including using the toilet.
Under the existing framework, the PIP assessment recognises the use of an aid or appliance to manage toilet needs or incontinence as criteria that counts towards eligibility. This includes the use of both stoma bags and intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) catheters.
Impact of Proposed Changes
If the proposed reforms include redefining what constitutes an aid or appliance or altering how they are factored into the assessment, people who use stoma bags or ISC catheters might find their eligibility, or the level of benefit affected. For instance, if the criteria become more stringent, some individuals might not meet the new thresholds for certain descriptors. We don’t yet have clarity on what changes may be under consideration but will be keeping a close eye on the situation as it progresses.
Another proposed change is the freezing of PIP which means that payments would not increase in line with inflation. PIP is designed to support individuals in leading independent lives. So, reductions in financial support may limit access to resources or services that facilitate independence, such as specialised transportation, home modifications, or personal care assistance. Many people with a stoma or those who self-catheterise incur ongoing costs related to their condition, such as purchasing supplies, maintaining hygiene, and attending medical appointments. Any reduction in PIP support could exacerbate financial pressures, potentially leading to difficult choices between health-related expenses and other essential living costs.
Concerns and Criticisms
The proposed welfare reforms have sparked significant debate and concern among policymakers, advocacy groups, and the public. Critics argue that tightening PIP eligibility and freezing benefits could disproportionately affect disabled individuals and those with chronic health conditions. There is apprehension that such measures may undermine the financial stability and well-being of some of the most vulnerable people.
Furthermore, some members of the Labour Party have expressed unease regarding the potential impact of these cuts on their constituents, particularly those who rely on disability benefits. The internal dissent highlights the moral and ethical considerations of reducing support for individuals who depend on these benefits to manage daily living activities.
Information and Support
As discussions around changes to PIP continue, it is understandable that many will feel uncertain about what lies ahead. However, there are several organisations that can provide information and support:
- Citizens Advice offer information on PIP and other benefits and may be able to help with applications and appeals.
- Disability Rights UK have detailed guides on benefits and your legal rights.
- The Turn2us PIP Helper tool is designed to support and guide you through the application process.
If you are in receipt of PIP you may be able to qualify for transport related benefits that can help make travel easier and reduce the cost:
- Blue Badge Scheme – This provides easier parking access for individuals with mobility difficulties.
- Disabled Person’s Railcard – Offers discounted rail travel across the UK.
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass – Many local councils provide free or reduced-fare bus passes to those receiving PIP.
If you live with a disability, you can also join Purpl which gives you access to discounts on a wide variety of products and activities.
Whatever the outcome of the proposed changes to PIP, SecuriCare and CliniMed are here to support you with your stoma and continence care needs. You can browse our resource hub for guides on topics from nutrition and hydration to sexual wellbeing as well as sample products to find the right one for you.