A significant number of young people transitioning from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have had their claims rejected, sparking widespread concern and calls for urgent reform. PIP, which supports individuals over 16 with long-term physical or mental health conditions, has denied benefits to nearly a third of those who received DLA during childhood. This shift has affected approximately 124,000 young people since PIP's introduction in 2013.
Holly Crouch, among those affected, expressed how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decision left her feeling "like a burden." She noted that despite no change in her condition, the denial seemed solely based on her age transition from childhood to adulthood.
"My condition has not magically disappeared and I'm not faking this." – Holly Crouch
The assessment process for PIP focuses on an individual's capability to live independently, evaluating daily activities through a points-based system. Applicants earn points based on their abilities and the assistance they require, which determines their eligibility for benefits. Alarmingly, three-quarters of those deemed ineligible for PIP failed the DWP's assessment due to insufficient points.
Sally Donley, a parent battling similar challenges for her son Euan, highlighted systemic issues within the assessment process. She described the stress and obstacles faced by families as "horrendous and cruel."
"His assessment was with a nurse who had no background in his issues and he ended up only scoring points for not mixing with others," – Sally Donley
Concerns have been raised about assessors lacking expertise in specific conditions and making decisions without consulting medical evidence or engaging with claimants' caregivers. Thousands living with severe conditions like cancer, blindness, psychosis, deafness, and epilepsy have seen their claims rejected since PIP's rollout.
Disability charity Scope has criticized the system as "complex, adversarial and difficult to navigate," which contributes to the high rejection rate of applications. James Taylor, Scope's Executive Director of Strategy, emphasized the alarming rate of young people losing essential financial support.
"The number of young people losing out on financial support is 'worrying'," – James Taylor
Several organizations, including the Royal National Institute for Blind People, Epilepsy Society, the National Autistic Society, and Contact, have joined in calling for swift reform. They argue that the current system leads to wrongful decisions, with many DWP outcomes overturned upon appeal at tribunals.
Personal Independence Payment is designed to fund the additional living costs associated with disabilities and is not means-tested. This benefit aims to help individuals manage the daily challenges that arise from their conditions. However, critics argue that its implementation has been flawed and detrimental to those it intends to support.
For claimants without the capacity to apply themselves, a third party—such as a parent or carer—can submit applications on their behalf. Despite this provision, the transition from DLA to PIP remains fraught with difficulties for many families.
Sally Donley shared her ongoing battle for her son Euan's rightful support. She expressed frustration at the lack of consideration given to medical evidence during assessments.
"You have parents trying to care for children with disabilities and they're having to take hours to gather evidence for court appeals." – Sally Donley
The impact of these rejections extends beyond financial strain. Holly Crouch described a profound sense of disbelief and anger following her claim's denial.
"Everything was taken so quickly and I felt angry, neglected and like I hadn't been believed. It was so hard to deal with." – Holly Crouch
This sentiment resonates with many others who feel that their genuine needs are dismissed by a system that should protect them. The stress and emotional toll on families navigating these challenges cannot be underestimated.
