If this is your first visit, check out the community guide. You will have to Join us or Sign in before you can post.
Receiving too many notifications? Adjust your notification settings.
What can you spend PIP on?

Hi @BenefitsTrainingCo
Are there any rules about what people can spend their PIP on?
Also I've heard a few comments here and elsewhere about the DWP using what people post on social media as evidence against their benefit claims. Do you know if there's any truth in that?
Thanks,
Alex
Are there any rules about what people can spend their PIP on?
Also I've heard a few comments here and elsewhere about the DWP using what people post on social media as evidence against their benefit claims. Do you know if there's any truth in that?
Thanks,
Alex
Replies
This is an edited version of my inbox reply to your message.
The government think that many PIP recipients spend their benefit on affluent lifestyles! I don't want to encourage the government in this belief.
I am worried about DWP getting to hear more about disabled people in general using PIP for purposes other than for what it is really intended. The government are looking for any excuse to restrict access to PIP and ESA.
Ah, I see! That makes sense, thanks. I completely agree with you - we certainly don't want to encourage the belief that money is being used for 'funding lifestyles'. It's terrible to think that some MPs might think that.
I believe certainly the government think that PIP often is being used for 'luxuries' and no doubt some other MPs think that, too.
It would not be possible to link an individual with their specific posts unless they used their real name. Scope for instance, does not collect personally identifiable information.
Those on the right of the Tory party would like to end welfare altogether. It just so happens that the disabled are seen as a soft target. The most you can get on PIP is equivalent to half of the adult minimum wage!
The DWP is not Big Brother and their arguments tend to be childish and pathetic.
There's absolutely no rules on what you can spend your PIP on.
Entitlement is based on the circumstances and evidence relating to each case. There is nothing to stop the DWP using information obtained from the internet. However, it is only one type of evidence and will need to be considered on its own merits along with all other evidence relating to the claim.
David