DWP urged to increase number of PIP payment levels to cover extra costs disabled people face
dailyrecord.co.ukThe Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently announced plans to set up a new taskforce as part of its Disability Action Plan after research indicated that disabled people are significantly affected by the rising cost of living.
The ‘Extra Costs Taskforce’ will specifically look into the additional costs incurred by people on disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Sir Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, highlighted the new taskforce during a recent parliamentary debate on disability benefits, where he suggested they look at introducing another level of award, similar to the structure in place for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), so that a “better proxy for people’s extra costs could be provided”.PIP is made up of two award levels for both the daily living and mobility components - a lower and higher weekly rate.
However, the care component of DLA provides three award levels, based on the amount of help someone needs - lowest, middle and highest - while the mobility component has two levels - lower and higher.Sir Stephen said: “The cash provided by PIP is designed to cover the extra costs arising from people’s disabilities.
Read more on dailyrecord.co.uk