Britons with disabilities face ‘terrifying reality’ during cost of living crisis | Personal finance | Finance
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is the main disability benefit offered by the DWP, providing a maximum of £156.90 per week. However, as the energy price cap alone will see bills rise by around £700 per household, the most vulnerable in society could find themselves in dire straits.
More than six million Britons are claiming a PIP, each receiving varying amounts ranging from the lowest rate of £24.45 to over £150 a week.
It is intended to help people with long-term illnesses or disabilities to cover the additional living costs they incur.
However, disability charity Scope estimates that just being disabled adds an extra £583 per month to the cost of living.
Scope expressed concern over the worsening cost of living: “Some people with disabilities and their families are simply past the point of being able to cut expenses and afford to get by. Some face the terrifying reality of not being able to afford the essentials. Dealing with the daily choice of heating or eating.
People with disabilities are almost twice as likely to be unemployed according to the charity, undermining their potential income through no fault of their own.
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Additionally, while many receive benefits as their primary form of income, Scope’s research has shown that about seven out of 10 PIP claims are denied.
PIP is offered at four different weekly rates depending on the difficulty the applicant is having and the severity of their condition.
The daily life aspect provides £61.85 per week on the lowest rate and £92.40 on the highest rate for those who find it difficult to carry out certain tasks such as eating, cleaning or socialising.
The mobility aspect helps claimants who have difficulty navigating or physically moving around, and Brits don’t necessarily need a physical disability to claim it.
This aspect offers £24.45 on the lowest fare and £64.50 on the highest fare.
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People who receive the highest mobility aspect rate can potentially use their benefits to cover the cost of renting a car, scooter, electric wheelchair or wheelchair accessible vehicle wheels as part of the mobility program.
Additionally, if their condition affects their ability or limits their ability to work, they may also be eligible for Employment and Support Allowance.
The PIP application process can be daunting, as it involves in-depth questions on the initial form as well as an assessment to see the extent of one’s condition.
The benefit is not means-tested, which means that a person’s income, savings and employment do not affect their claim, the only thing that does is their condition or disability.
For this reason, it is essential that Britons are honest and open in the application process.
Benefit Answers noted that it would not bode well for Britons to exaggerate their struggles, or deliberately exclude or downplay their struggle.
Due to the nature of certain illnesses and conditions, people may find that they are perfectly capable of doing a task one day, but cannot do it the next.
Benefit Answers recommends that people use what they feel most of the time to answer the questions on the application form.
Each question in the application form has additional space for applicants to add other information they deem relevant.
This is where people may note that they are sometimes able to do the task, but most of the time they are unable.
Plus, it’s one of the biggest misconceptions people have about the application process, as many think they should answer questions like it’s their worst day.
Benefit Answers explained: “Very few people answer no to every question on the form or find themselves 100% unable to ‘anything’. Your assessment form will be reviewed by a real person at DWP and they are able to deduce when someone answers the questions as if it is the worst day they have ever had to suffer from their condition.
A DWP spokesperson said: “We know that living with a long-term illness or disability can impact the cost of living and financial support is available for people with disabilities or those caring for them.
“We urge people to check if they are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled and to be aware of the wider support this opens up, including help with transport, broadband or prescription costs.
“In addition, the government is taking decisive action to help more than 27 million households cope with rising energy costs, with a £200 cut on bills this autumn, a non-refundable cut of £150 on council tax bills and our £1billion household support fund. helps the most vulnerable with essential costs.
Express.co.uk has contacted DWP for further comment.