PIP applicants in one age group issued ‘stark’ DWP warning – apply before it’s too late

EXCLUSIVE: The Government has proposed major cuts to the daily living element of the benefit before being forced to shelve the changes due to intense opposition from backbench Labour MPs

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applicants in their 60s have been issued with a “stark” warning – apply before it is too late. The current Department of Work and Pension (DWP) rules dictate people over the State Pension Age, 66, do not qualify for the benefit.

The Labour Government had proposed major changes to the scheme as part of plans to cut £5billion from the annual welfare bill but were forced to shelve the plans in the face of opposition from backbench MPs. Instead a review will be conducted by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms to decide the future of the scheme.

Public policy commentator Kundan Bhaduri told the Daily Star on behalf of Newspage: “For someone in their 60s hoping to retire, it gets more stark though.

“One needs to apply before they access their state pension or forfeit the right to claim entirely, as PIP cannot be accessed for the first time after state pension age.”

Sir Timms reports is expected to conclude and be sent to Government in the second half of this year.

The now-shelved changes included the tightening of the qualifying criteria of the daily living element of the benefit, which is worth between £108.55 and £75.75 each week.

To qualify applicants need to undergo an assessment to determine how safely, quickly and efficiently they can perform 10 daily activities. Currently, claimants qualify with lower scores across the categories as long as they reach a total of eight points.

Under the proposed changes, applicants would have needed to score at least four points in one activity and at least eight overall to attain the lower payment – while 12 is needed for the upper band.

It comes as PIP recipients must adhere to specific guidelines set out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) when holidaying this summer, or they could face their payments being halted.

PIP is a benefit designed to assist with additional living expenses for individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities that hinder them from performing certain daily tasks or moving around due to their condition.

Departing the country or intending to do so for more than four weeks – even merely for a holiday – could impact your entitlement to this disability benefit.

If you’re planning a holiday exceeding four weeks, it’s crucial to inform the DWP immediately, or you could be penalised with a fine.

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