On Wednesday, 18 March, the UK Government announced a set of proposed changes to the welfare system, aimed at reducing costs and encouraging more people into work. These changes are outlined in the Pathways to Work Green Paper and include updates to Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). You can read the Green Paper here.
The Green Paper consultation on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reforms applies to England, Wales, and Scotland, but the proposed changes will only affect the UK government’s responsibilities in those areas. Specifically, the proposals will be implemented in England and will affect the existing PIP system in Scotland as it relates to eligibility for Universal Credit (UC) elements based on health conditions. In Scotland, PIP is being replaced by Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
The public consultation is open until 30 June, and we will respond to the proposals on behalf of the OI community. We therefore ask you to please complete our questionnaire, which consists of the same questions as the government consultation. You can read the Brittle Bone Society’s standpoint on the questions here.
Key Proposed Changes include: Changes to Work Capability Assessment; Universal Credit, a new Unemployment Insurance; Health & Skills Support Package.
- Plans to change eligibility of the daily living component of PIP. (8 points to qualify) – but will need to score 4 in a single activity.
- Freezing the health element of Universal Credit – and claimants may be given a lower health element.
- Severe disability premium for those with severe and lifelong conditions.
- Disabled young people currently get DLA aged 18 but future plans suggest they will not be eligible for health element until they are 22.
- Dropping the WCA Work capability assessment in 2027 – being replaced by a tougher PIP assessment.
- Merging contributions based on ESA and Jobseeker Allowance into a new benefit called unemployment insurance. Lasting a set amount of time and paid at a set rate. Disabled people may not get extra money on this benefit.
What You Can Do
- Complete our survey to enable us to offer a response of behalf of the OI community by Wednesday 25th June. You can find the survey here.
- Contact your MP here to raise your concerns.
The Brittle Bone Society are pleased to represent the OI Community and ensure that the unique challenges of living with this condition are heard and listened to.