Means-testing PIP: frightened to death

Zipz
Zipz Online Community Member Posts: 1,885 Pioneering

Hello. Since yesterday when the Chancellor announced the removal of the WFA from pensioners except for those in receipt of Pension Credit, there's a flurry of social media posts about the possibility of PIP being mean-tested. As I have savings, I cannot claim any mean-tested benefit or support. I cannot work, having been severely disabled from childhood. A means-tested PIP would leave me without an income. It would begger me. Life is so tough as it is. If the government opt to means-test PIP do you think it would be like UC or by way of the tax system like Child Benefit? Thank you.

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Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 4,626 Championing

    No one unfortunately can give you any real answers as to what the government might or might not do.

    In the event PIP was means tested, you could use your savings to live off then claim PIP when they get below the threshold.

  • Steve1987
    Steve1987 Online Community Member Posts: 46 Connected

    If only we were able to answer such hypothetical things. The only saving grace would be that it could take years to make any significant changes to the PIP system.

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing

    No one has a crystal ball and no one can predict what may or may not happen.

  • Steve1987
    Steve1987 Online Community Member Posts: 46 Connected

    It’s literally a case of trying not to worry about what is out of our control isn’t it. Who knows that decisions are going to be made.

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing

    Yes I seen it but we still don't know anything and all this speculation is getting a little ridiculous.

  • KG100
    KG100 Online Community Member Posts: 274 Empowering

    I was wondering how she changed the winter fuel allowance so quickly, I thought all the MP's would have to vote on it before it became law.

    Can she change PIP to means testing just as quick ?

  • KG100
    KG100 Online Community Member Posts: 274 Empowering

    Most of the disabled people I know are now worried about the possible means testing of PIP, some have small works pensions.

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing

    There we no laws for the WFP, which is why it was changed so quickly. No, PIP can't be changed that quickly, didn't you see the comment made here, which is spot on.

  • Zipz
    Zipz Online Community Member Posts: 1,885 Pioneering

    Thank you @TheManFromLondon and others here who have helped settle my mind.

    Zipz

  • egister
    egister Posts: 843 Empowering

    I always take bad forecasts into account and then I am glad that they did not come true. How often do you think I feel this happy?

  • Zipz
    Zipz Online Community Member Posts: 1,885 Pioneering

    Can't sleep. I'm stressing so much about what is in store us. There is so much talk about means-testing PIP and it appears that most PIP claimants would approve such a change. I can't stop being scared. Zipz

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing

    There's been so much speculation about what may happen. You said "most claimants would approve means testing PIP" where did you get that from? I can't imagine for one moment that most would actually approve it.

    No one knows what may or may not happen because they haven't announced anything.

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  • YogiBear
    YogiBear Online Community Member Posts: 141 Empowering

    Zipz until the government announce what changes, if any, are going to happen I've made the decision to tune out from it all. I'm not going to worry until there is something to worry about. Everything is speculation at the moment.

  • Steve1987
    Steve1987 Online Community Member Posts: 46 Connected

    PIP will not be means tested. There will be an absolute uproar.

  • Ironside1990
    Ironside1990 Online Community Member Posts: 310 Empowering

    Whatever you've heard or seen about PIP being means tested, don't believe a word. UC is means tested. It would be cruel to make PIP means tested as well. It's better left alone,as a flat monthly rate.

  • Jimm_Alumni
    Jimm_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,717 Championing

    PIP is a benefit intended to help those that are disabled. Disabled people, no matter their wealth, have extra costs due to their disability. They should not lose out just because of their disability, even if they are earning enough that they do not receive means-tested benefits.