Restricting PIP impacts more than just our income

Morinas

In this argument about the govs plans to restrict PIP and reduce money for disabled people, there is something I think that isn't being spoken about enough.

Restricting the eligibility criteria from PIP impacts more than just our income. It impacts disabled people's ACCESS.

PIP is used nationwide (and even internationally) as evidence of disability. A medical diagnosis hasn't been considered 'enough' for many years.

Denying people PIP makes it harder for people to get their access needs or adjustment needs met.

To get an Access Card, Disabled Persons Railcard, Disabily Cinema Card and to use disability access in places across the UK and even abroad, you require evidence of PIP (or adult DLA/AA).

Being denied PIP doesn't stop us being disabled. Being denied PIP disables us more.

It will financially cripple many of us but even more importantly, it will also restrict our access, prevent our carers being able to claim support for caring for us, and have such a large knock-on effect that is beyond simply the money we receive.

For me it isn't just about the money. It about every area of my life.

If I lost PIP, my carer could no longer afford to support me.

If I lost PIP, I could no longer access an adapted vehicle.

Both of these things means I would have to give up my job.

If I lost PIP, I could no longer access many venues across the UK, I could not takea carer with me or use disabled access.

If I lost PIP, I would lose my freedom.

If I lost PIP, I would lose my life.

luvpink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/131074/restricting-pip-impacts-more-than-just-our-income

Hi welcome to the community.

You need to post this in the benefits reform thread at the top of this page.

Morinas

I don't want it lost among a busy thread as it's important to highlight I think but I will post it there too

Albus_Scope

Hey there @Morinas and welcome. 😊

It's definitely on many of our minds right now. We're having a big discussion about it, which you can read here: Upcoming changes to benefits.

At the moment, no formal announcements have been made, so no one knows for certain what the changes will be or how they’ll be implemented. However, we're actively campaigning and raising awareness through The Cost of Cuts, and we’d really appreciate your support and signature.

We understand this is a difficult topic, and many people are finding it challenging. To keep the community a safe space, we're encouraging all discussions on benefit changes to stay in one place. For that reason, we’ll be closing this discussion, but we’d love for you to join the main discussion thread here: Upcoming changes to benefits.