The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced it will reassess its original decision to change the mobility criteria for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
In December last year, the DWP decided to tighten the walking distance criteria for qualifying for the enhanced rate of the mobility component (equivalent of the upper rate of the mobility component of DLA) from 50 metres to 20 metres.
Devastating changes
This latest announcement by DWP comes after NRAS and 50 other charities which form the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) voiced concerns that the strict mobility criteria for PIP would have a devastating impact if it wasn’t reviewed.
The DBC highlighted that if people can walk 20m – even using aids such as sticks – they wouldn’t qualify for the enhanced rate of the benefit, and could lose up to £1,800 a year as well as their Motability vehicle. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis rely on this to maintain their independence and live their daily lives.
Ailsa Bosworth, Chief Executive at NRAS, said: “We welcome the decision to re-consult on this crucial part of the PIP benefit. This consultation is an important opportunity for people with rheumatoid arthritis to explain the potentially devastating impact these changes could have on their lives.
I strongly urge anyone with the disease to get in contact with NRAS to provide us with information so that we can document the likely impacts and build a strong case to change the walking distance criteria.”
Help change policy
If you think you‘ll be affected by the 20 metre rule, either through loss of the upper rate of the mobility component of DLA or the loss of a Motability vehicle, we want to know about it.
Please email leo@nras.org.uk and we’ll tell you how you can help the campaign. The sooner you get in touch the better as the consultation ends on Monday 5 August.
