Sharing experiences of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
We recently submitted evidence to the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The Government is currently reviewing PIP and invited people to share their experiences of the benefit, including what is working well, what challenges they face, and what changes they would like to see.
To contribute to the review, Barnwood held one-to-one conversations and focus groups with 15 people, including members of Barnwood Circle and Barnwood Trust staff. We brought together the themes and experiences shared and submitted them as evidence to the review, where they will be considered alongside feedback from people and organisations across the country.
People told us that PIP plays an important role in their lives. While some use it to cover additional costs associated with disability or long-term health conditions, others rely on it to help pay for everyday essentials.
One person said:
“PIP should be giving people back more control of their lives, which means you can make your own choices, and this means you have some self-worth and purpose in life as well. This would mean that you can live and not just exist.“
Many people also expressed concerns about potential changes to PIP and the impact these could have on their lives. One person told us:
“I don’t want the government to take away my benefit because then I wouldn’t have any money and I don’t know what I would do.“
Several people spoke about negative perceptions of PIP and misunderstandings about who can receive it and what it is intended for.
People also shared mixed experiences of the application and assessment process. While some felt supported and respected by assessors, many described feeling misunderstood, not believed, or struggling to explain how their condition affects them.
As one person put it:
“It’s like guilty until proven disabled.“
Another said:
“They don't know what my condition is and how it affects my life daily. I was extremely sad not because of the money but because they didn't take into consideration how it affects my day-to-day living.“
We are grateful to everyone who shared their experiences and perspectives to help inform the review.
Have your say on the future of PIP
We’re working with Inclusion Gloucestershire and Alex McIntyre MP to hear directly from disabled people as part of the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Join us to share your experiences of applying for PIP, how decisions are made, what PIP is for and what could be improved.
Where: Academy Room at Patch, 5–7 Cathedral Walk, The Forum, Gloucester, GL1 1DG
When: Monday 13 July, 10.30am–12.30pm
Book your free place: https://bit.ly/43TiYih
Or contact Inclusion Gloucestershire on 01452 234003 or 07517 994765 for more information.