READ NOW: https://www.bigissue.com/opinion/pip-benefits-disabled-people-cost-of-living/

We are delight to have been featured in this latest article from The Big Issue which covers how PIP is vital for those who are currently receiving it. The article covers the reality that as the cost of living continues to rise, the importance of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for disabled individuals has never been clearer. For many, PIP is not just a benefit – it’s a financial lifeline that helps cover the significant extra costs that come with living with a disability.

However, proposed government reforms which were announced in March and subsequently shelved pending further review were set to make it harder for new claimants to access this vital support. The suggested changes aimed to tighten eligibility, especially for the daily living component, by requiring claimants to meet stricter task-based thresholds. While existing recipients have been assured their support will continue, campaigners warn that new applicants could have faced a tougher, potentially unfair system.

As described in the article, this comes at a time when more disabled people than ever are turning to debt advice services, highlighting just how critical PIP is for staying financially afloat. Current estimates suggest disabled individuals face an average of £1,095 per month in additional living costs – a gap that PIP only partially fills.

As consultations move forward, disability advocates and support organisations are urging policymakers to consider the real-life impact of cutting off access to this essential support. For many, losing PIP would mean falling deeper into poverty, just when they need help the most.

When someone loses PIP, the consequences can be severe, often leading to immediate financial strain, missed essentials and rising anxiety.

What asked by the Big Issue to comment on the article, Michelle Cardno, founder of Fightback4Justice, warned about the broader impact of losing PIP. She explained that when the benefit is stopped, carer’s allowance can also end, which may affect other forms of support, such as help with rent.

“Things start having a knock-on effect…,” she said. “We find a lot of people lose one and then sometimes lose the other as well.”

Michelle also pointed out that people can end up paying out of pocket for essential equipment such as wheelchairs, either because they don’t know they’re entitled to a free one, or because the standard equipment doesn’t meet their needs.

This is brilliant review that which we strongly suggest that you read over if you have a spare moment.