The DWP on Monday outlined support on offer in response to a question about PIP recipients not receiving Universal Credit
The Department for Work and Pensions has released an update on the support on offer for those receiving PIP who are not in receipt of Universal Credit. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can assist with additional living costs if you have both: a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty carrying out certain everyday tasks or moving around due to your condition.
You can receive PIP even if you are employed, have savings or are already claiming most other benefits. Universal Credit, by contrast, is a payment designed to help with everyday living costs, and may be available to those on a low income, out of work, or unable to work.
Universal Credit and PIP are entirely separate benefits with distinct eligibility criteria. Receiving one does not automatically entitle you to the other, and making a claim for Universal Credit will not affect your PIP entitlement should you qualify for it.
PIP is not means-tested, whereas Universal Credit is. UK legal firm Contend Legal describes Universal Credit as “designed to support people on a low income or out of work with their living costs” and notes that “the amount you receive depends on your earnings, savings, household circumstances, and other factors.”
The government has now been questioned about “what employment support is available to people receiving Personal Independence Payment who do not qualify for Universal Credit”.
Andrew Western — Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions — responded to a Parliamentary question on the subject on Monday. He said: “We know that work is good for health and wellbeing, so we want everyone to get work and get on in work, whoever they are and wherever they live. Disabled people and people with health conditions are a diverse group so access to the right work and health support, in the right place, at the right time, is key.
“This Government is committed to giving disabled people and people with health conditions, including people living in Somerset [the question was asked by a Somerset MP], the confidence that working will not trigger a reassessment and a potential loss of benefits.”
He then outlined six measures the DWP is able to provide. These are:
- Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres,
- Access to Work grants,
- Connect to Work,
- Employment Advisors,
- the Health Transformation Programme
- and approximately 1,000 (full time equivalent) Pathways to Work Advisers
The minister said: “We have a range of specialist initiatives to support individuals to stay in work and get back into work. These include support from Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres, Access to Work grants and Connect to Work, as well as initiatives joining up health and employment support around the individual through Employment Advisors in NHS Talking Therapies, and WorkWell.
“Through the Health Transformation Programme, we are creating a more joined-up health and employment journey for customers. This includes exploring how people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be supported to access a range of services that improve wellbeing, independence and, where appropriate, support them to move closer to or remain in work.
“As part of this, we are testing a voluntary support offer for some PIP-only customers. PIP Case Managers can refer eligible customers to a virtual hub (telephone only at present), where support is tailored to their circumstances and focused on addressing barriers to wellbeing and independence.
“This may include signposting to services such as the National Careers Service, and Citizens Advice, and relevant national and local support services, depending on their circumstances. The support offer is currently being tested in a limited number of areas while we learn what works best for customers.
“In Jobcentres around 1,000 (full time equivalent) Pathways to Work Advisers, provide personalised one-to-one support to disabled customers and people with health conditions to help them identify and overcome obstacles which may stop them from moving towards or into work or to access employment and wider skills support, and our employment programmes.”
Timms Review and PIP
He went on to talk about the Timms Review, which was launched after the failure of Sir Keir Starmer’s government to reform PIP. The review’s final findings are due in the autumn, but co-head Sir Stephen Timms has already said the existing scheme is not fit four purpose.
Mr Western said: “The Timms Review, the first ever full review of PIP, seeks to ensure we have a system that supports disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence, including through employment. The Review, which is considering how the assessment could ensure people access the right support at the right level, will publish its final recommendations in the autumn.”
To apply for PIP, visit the government web page on the topic. To apply for Universal Credit, visit the gov.uk page.
For more information on the Timms Review, see here.
