An assessment of disability benefits considers alternatives to cash payments

A major review of mainstream disability benefit in England and Wales is considering whether alternative support could be offered to claimants instead of cash payments in some cases.

Sir Stephen Timms, who is leading the review, told MPs the Government “will not shy away” from providing funding to help disabled people with the extra cost of living.

But the minister said the review was looking at whether some Personal Independence Payment (PP) claimants could be referred to other forms of support instead.

Options for cash payments may include NHS treatments, specialist equipment or employment support.

in The first findings were published this week, ExternalSir Stephen’s review found that PIP was not working for millions of disabled people and needed fundamental change.

Declaring PIP “not fit for purpose”, the interim report said people applying for the benefit described the process as “inhumane” and a barrier to work.

PIP claims, particularly for conditions such as anxiety and ADHD, have soared in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic, putting a strain on public finances.

Almost 10 million people (24%) report having a disability, down from 17% in 2013/14.

The value of Pip is expected to grow from £15bn in 2020 to over £41bn in 2030.

The review suggests a need for a complete overhaul of the PIP assessment system.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said the review’s final recommendations are due this autumn and will “lay the foundations for deep, sustainable reform”.

Sharon Brennan, co-chair of the review, told the BBC on Thursday that she and Sir Stephen were considering how to change the PIP review process.

“Right now, it’s a very opaque process,” Brennan said. “It’s a yes or no answer, you get money or you don’t, and we’re not talking to people about what extra support they need to live the life they want to live.”

She said the review raised questions about whether the different funding levels for PIP claimants “really reflect the real impact of people with disabilities” in 2026, stressing that increasing “participation in the workforce” was an important part of any reform.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday, Sir Stephen said the review “clearly shows the need for funding to meet additional disability costs”.

He added, “We’re not going to go beyond that importance, but I think there’s a question of whether the process can point people to help that’s beneficial to them, in addition to cash payments, or in some cases.”

“There is help and support that people need, and I think the process will help point people there.”

The system “can refer people to the right place in the health service,” he said, adding that the review “looked at all these issues and we will come back with recommendations in our final report.”

The interim report states that the needs of people with disabilities and their additional costs “differ greatly, and the current system does not always recognize these differences or provide appropriate support”.