A potential shake-up to disability benefits could see claimants swap portions of their cash payments for tailored support, including specialist equipment, services, or training, according to leaked proposals from government advisers. The recommendation, shaped by a committee predominantly made up of disabled individuals, is among several bold suggestions expected to influence the upcoming review of the Personal Independence Payment system. If adopted, the changes could mark a significant shift in how financial assistance is delivered to those in need. The government’s review, led by a senior official, is anticipated to finalize its findings shortly.
Exclusive: Claimants could trade part of payment for specialist equipment, services or training under proposalSome disabled people could receive “in kind” support rather than just cash payments under a radical overhaul of the personal independence payment (Pip) proposed by official government advisers, the Guardian can reveal.The proposal, from an expert committee largely made up of disabled people, is one of a number of striking “emerging recommendations” likely to form the basis of the government’s Timms review of Pip, expected to be published in the next two months. Continue reading...
