Work and Pensions Committee takes evidence on Personal Independence Payment

• Parliament TV: Proposals to replace Disability Living Allowance with Personal Independence Payment
• Work and Pensions Committee

Witness

At 4.30 pm in the Thatcher Room, Portcullis House

• Maria Miller MP, Minister for Disabled People, Department for Work and Pensions

Background

PIP will be similar to DLA in that it will be a non-means tested, non-contributory tax-free cash benefit paid to people whose disabilities mean they incur extra costs in everyday life; however, the Government aims to simplify the benefit and reduce expenditure by introducing a new face-to-face assessment for PIP and by changing some of the current rules. The changes include: systematic periodic review of most PIP awards; ending automatic entitlement for specific conditions; replacing DLA's three rates in the care component with two rates in the new daily living component; and extending the Qualifying Period from 3 months to 6 months.

This is the third, and final, evidence session in the inquiry. The committee will question the Minister about the Government's objectives for reform and its assessment of the likely impacts. It will also consider the latest draft of the PIP assessment criteria and plans for the implementation and delivery of the new assessment. The Government's communication strategy and media coverage of the reforms will also be discussed.

Further Information

• About Parliament: Select Committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch Committees