“I am terrified of losing my PIP benefit in the DWP cuts because it gives me independence.”

Activists and claimants are very concerned about a radical review that seems to be announced for the personal payment of independence

Kelsey Trevett and Dog Lacey at the Carpenders station in northern London, in January 2025, after complaining that they had been stranded on the platform

Kelsey Trevett, in the photo here at a train station in northern London, says that their PIP benefits are vital for independence and do not cover all their daily disability costs such as(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga)

A PIP claimant and a disability activist has talked about the potential impact of planned work schedules.

Kelsey Trevett described the next proposals as “terrifying” and said it represented a threat to the “dignity and economic activity” of people.

Baleful organizations and activists say they are “deeply concerned” about plans to make great cuts to PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT (PIP).

Labor are expected to publish their green health and disability role next week, before the Foreign Minister’s Primave Declaration on March 26.

READ MORE:

The details are not yet available, but the reports suggest that the eligibility for PIP would be restricted, and payment rates could be frozen next year instead of increasing in line with inflation.

It is not known at this point how the benefit would be restricted and which if there are, health problems and disabilities can be excluded, but people who represent those with conditions related to the view say they are very concerned about what the review will mean for their quality of life.

Disability activist Kelsey Trevett, who is blind and states PIP, said: “The rumored cuts to the payment of personal independence (PIP) represent a threat to independence, dignity and economic activity of blind and partially sighted people.

“The hidden costs of disability are huge and are largely discovered by PIP as it is: from specialized technology to access printed and digital materials, domestic aids to support with cooking, cleaning and independent life.”

Kelsey, who lost both eyes to genetic cancer when they were children, added: “Pip allows me to maintain my independence. Therefore, I am terrified by the possibility of taking me away from me, either once or subtly through royal triumphs cuts.”

Vivienne Francis, director of social change at RNIB, said: “We are deeply concerned about reports that suggest changes in vital disability benefits are imminent.

“Life costs more if it is blind or partially sighted. From additional and inevitable costs such as taxi trips or assistance technology, to support home, so we know that many people are already fighting to reach the end of the month. We need to be clear that taking an ax for well -being will include many thousands of people in poverty.

“We expect the details of any plan, but we would oppose any cuts to benefits such as PIP, especially without eliminating very real barriers for people with disabilities who enter the workforce. Behind the current rhetoric, 11,000 people with loss of vision are looking for employment and face multiple obstacles.

“The Government has an option. It can make raw cuts and push more people disabled to poverty and far from work. Or can offer a more fair benefits system and open job opportunities addressing long -standing barriers, starting with the fixation of delays and challenges for employees seeking the support of the access scheme to government work.”

DWP Statistics show that more than 58,000 people receive PIP for eye conditions, diseases or injuries. However, this is only two percent of the total number of PIP claims, which are dominated by mental health and musculoskeletal conditions.

Get last minute news about Birminghamlive WhatsApp. Join our dedicated community for the latest updates. You can find more in our Money savings bulletin, that is sent daily with all the updates you need to know in pensions, NUGGET, Universal CreditBenefits, finance, invoices and purchasing discounts.