A petition demanding changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system has gained over 13,000 signatures, highlighting concerns over the stress and hardship faced by chronically ill and disabled people.
The petition, titled “Stop DWP repeating PIP assessments for disabled people,” argues that the current reassessment process is unfair, forcing disabled individuals to constantly prove their conditions, even when they have lifelong disabilities.
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament, according to the Labour Party government.
Why Are People Signing the Petition?
The petition criticizes the repeated reassessments of PIP claimants, stating that:
Disabled people deserve respect and support rather than constant scrutiny.
Ongoing medical conditions should not require continuous re-evaluation.
Claimants face distressing interviews, legal battles, and financial costs to prove their entitlement.
Medical professionals, not cost-cutting policies, should determine eligibility.
Many signatories believe the current system is dehumanizing and unfair to those with permanent disabilities.
Government’s Response to the Petition
In response to the petition, the government stated that it is committed to:
- Reforming health and disability benefits to encourage employment where possible.
- Ensuring financial sustainability while supporting disabled individuals.
- Introducing changes in a Green Paper, which will be published ahead of the Spring Statement later this year.
A DWP spokesperson added that award reviews are necessary to ensure payments match the claimant’s current needs.
However, campaigners argue that many PIP claimants have lifelong conditions that will not improve, making repeated assessments unnecessary and stressful.
What Happens Next?
- The petition has already gathered over 13,500 signatures.
- If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a debate in Parliament.
- The government is expected to publish a Green Paper on benefits reform in the coming months.
Supporters of the petition urge more people to sign, arguing that real change is needed to make the system fairer for disabled people.
The petition against repeated PIP assessments has gained strong public support, with thousands calling for a fairer, less stressful process for disabled individuals. While the government acknowledges the need for reform, many claimants argue that permanent disabilities should not require constant reassessment. With the Labour government set to review the system, campaigners hope that real change will be made to reduce unnecessary stress on disabled people.
FAQ’s
What is the petition about?
The petition calls for an end to repeated PIP assessments for disabled people, arguing that those with lifelong conditions should not have to constantly prove their eligibility.
How many signatures does the petition have?
As of now, the petition has gathered over 13,000 signatures. If it reaches 100,000, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
What is the government’s response?
The government has acknowledged concerns and plans to introduce a Green Paper with proposals for disability benefit reforms ahead of the Spring Statement.
Why are people opposed to repeated PIP assessments?
Many believe that reassessments are distressing, costly, and unnecessary for people with permanent disabilities. They argue that medical professionals should determine eligibility.
What happens if the petition reaches 100,000 signatures?
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament, increasing the chances of policy change.
