The DWP has suggested replacing PIP with a catalogue or a shop in the Green Paper on personal independence payment (PIP) reform published yesterday. The department also asks people to choose whether it is more important that disabled people have money for food or money for medication. 

Modernising Support for Independent Living: The Health and Disability Green Paper was published yesterday and is accompanied by an online consultation survey which the DWP say they want as many disabled people and other interested parties as possible to complete (see links at the end of this article).

Different type of assessment

In the first section of the consultation, readers are asked for their view on whether some claimants with medical evidence of specific health conditions should get PIP without any assessment at all.

Your opinion is also requested on whether only claimants with “evidence or a formal diagnosis by a medical expert” should be awarded PIP.

You are then asked to explain how to prevent the requirement for a formal diagnosis from a medical expert having an impact on the NHS - because it will undoubtedly mean a great deal more demands on consultants’ time.

Changes to eligibility

In the second section the DWP want to know whether the need for aids and appliances and for prompting should score PIP points.

They also question whether someone who get a lot of low scoring descriptors should be eligible for PIP at all.

And whether any PIP activities should be removed or any new ones added.

Finally, you are asked whether the current three month qualifying period and nine month forward test should be changed.

Meeting extra costs of disability

The consultation explains that PIP contributes towards the extra costs of disability.  It asks people which are the most important needs that should addressed – suggesting that not all of them can be. 

Respondents are asked to rank in importance from 1 to 10, such items as:

  • Medications and medical products
  • Additional food costs
  • Additional energy and utility costs
  • Additional housing costs

So, people really are being asked to decide if it is more important that disabled people get their medication, eat properly or heat their homes.

The same section asks people to list the benefits and disadvantages of moving to a new system for PIP claimants, which could be:

  • A catalogue/shop scheme
  • A voucher scheme
  • A receipt based system
  • One-off grants

The consultation then goes on to ask if there are people who, instead of cash, would benefit more from improved access to support or treatment, for example:

  • respite care,
  • mental health provision
  • physiotherapy

This does raise the question as to whether benefits claimants would get different/better/faster access to things like NHS counselling and physiotherapy?  Or whether they will be pushed onto short courses provided by private sector contractors hired by the DWP?

Passing PIP costs on to the NHS and local authorities

The final section asks some very bizarre questions about NHS and local authority provision, which most people would imagine the government would be better able to answer than the average member of the public.  For example:

“Which of the following do local authorities or the NHS help with?”

  • Equipment and aids
  • Medical products
  • Personal assistance (eg. help with household tasks)
  • Health services
  • Social care

The purpose of the questions, however, is clearly to sound out how much support there would be for pushing much of the cost of PIP onto the already desperately overstretched NHS and local councils.

What this Green Paper is really about

Modernising Support for Independent Living: The Health and Disability Green Paper is supposed to be a Green Paper setting out serious, carefully considered proposals for reform of PIP.

Instead it is a ragbag of random, cruel and foolish ideas thrown together by the DWP to serve the political needs of the Conservative Party, without any likelihood of any of them being acted upon. 

The Green Paper is simply intended to make the current administration look tough on claimants whilst goading the opposition into speaking out against it, thereby supposedly making them look soft on welfare.

The fact that it is causing enormous distress to many disabled claimants and their carers, as is clear from the comments sections on this site and elsewhere, is of no concern to the DWP or the Conservative Party.

At Benefits and Work, we don’t believe that this Green Paper will ever form the basis of new legislation.

However, we do think it is important that readers who feel able to, do take part in the consultation. 

It’s important that whoever forms the next government understands the strength of feeling against dismantling the disability benefits system and instead concentrates on dismantling the department that was cruel enough to publish these proposals.

Take part in the consultation

If you are unsure whether to take part in the consultation, now that an election has been announced, please read PIP changes and UC migration – how will the election affect them?

You can download Modernising Support for Independent Living: The Health and Disability Green Paper

You can take part in the online consultation, which closes on 22 July 2024.  You are not asked to give your name or any other personal details.

Or you can email your response to:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please post a comment below if you take part in the consultation, to encourage others to do the same.

Blank consultation form for you to fill in

Many people have told us that they have found it difficult or impossible to complete the consultation because you cannot save the form and come back to it later.  So we have published a text version of the form, with spaces for you to type in your answers.  You can take as long as you like to do this and save it as often as you need. 

When you have answered all the questions you can either email the document to the consultation email address or, if you prefer to stay anonymous, copy and paste your answers into the online form instead.

Download blank form

Our submission

A number of people have asked how we are responding to the consultation.  We have published a copy of our answers to the consultation which you can download if you wish.  We wouldn’t advise you to copy them, but they may help you decide how you want to answer. 

We have tried to keep our answers brief as we don’t believe people should feel they have to write hugely detailed responses to what is, in our view a bad faith consultation.

Complaint about Question 18

We are particularly disgusted by Q18 and have sent a formal complaint to the consultation email address.  We would encourage other people to complain if they are unhappy about this question. 

Our complaint is worded as follows: 


 We wish to make a formal complaint about question 18 in the consultation related to “Modernising Support for Independent Living: The Health and Disability Green Paper”

The question asks:

“Which extra costs incurred by disabled people are the most important for a new scheme to address? Please rank the following options in your order of importance:”

Respondents are then required to rank 10 extra costs in order of importance. 

If a respondent doesn’t wish to answer the question, the options will remain in their default order and that will be recorded as the respondent’s choices, even though that is absolutely not the case.

For many people, ourselves included, the entire premise of the question is inappropriate:  asking people to decide whether, for example, medication, a specialised diet or energy to power medical equipment and provide additional warmth is more important.  They are all vital to life and all of equal importance.

Even if people wished to choose, their ranking might vary at different times of the year or different stages in their condition. 

In addition, even if respondents feel able to rank these items for themselves, how can they possibly make that choice on behalf of other disabled people with hugely different needs?  Yet that is what the question requires.

We consider that this question should either be removed from the consultation or, at the very least, that there should be an option to decline to answer or to rank all options equally.

As it stands, this question is clearly rigged and has no place in a genuine consultation.


24.05.24 Please note:  we have now had a response to our complaint as follows:

"We would like to clarify that if a respondent chooses not to answer question 18, no response is recorded for that respondent. The default order of the options will not be counted as a response if the question is left unanswered.

"Furthermore, if respondents wish to provide additional details regarding question 18, including if they feel that all options should be ranked equally, they are encouraged to highlight this in question 19. Question 19 is designed to allow respondents to elaborate on their views directly related to question 18."

We are a little dubious about this response, because if a respondent agreed with the DWP's chosen order and so did nothing, they would apparently be recorded as having not answered the question.  And the DWP's response does not alter the fact that this is an extraordinarily inappropriate question in the first place.

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  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 months ago
    What about mobility cars
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 months ago
    BREAKING NEWS! 

    https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/new-pip-payment-update-vouchers-33892597

    https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-10-04/6515

    It appears this consultation has been given the elbow. It's only been reported in The Daily Record so far, but is on the official parliament website. Yes, Labour are planning their own ideas, but the language here seems to suggest that their ideas are at least distanced from if not completely far removed from Tory ideas.

    This might be the good news we've been hoping for. I'm still saying "seems" and "might", but the future's certainly looking at least a little bit brighter now.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 23 days ago
      @Gambolputty How could voucher work every person has different needs not one person the same such a bad idea to even get vouchers this woman and keir starmer needs to go 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    I don't want vouchers the money helps me buy im incontinent & have to buy incontinence pads costing £40 a month &the rest goes towards my household  bills & clothes when I need them the labour party are no good & picking on the pensioners
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    The tories crashed the economy and now they are attacking pensioners and people with disabilities to pay the price it’s evil and taking away peoples dignity and humanity vouchers will never work for one reason money it simply wouldn’t work they tried before and failed 20 years ago either way we are all screwed no one knows what they are doing in the House of Commons it’s scary and I worry about our futures 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    I’m living on a chalet site and I pay for my water and electric out of my pip and the rest i make last me and budget how the hell dus this work can’t pay landlord with vouchers more homeless people in uk soon 🖕this is such a stupid discussion 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 months ago
    It's degrading to say the least it's hard enough to cope financially.  No one chooses to be like this. Discrimination at it's worst.
    We cannot work because of pain and inability to walk and do normal every day things we once took for granted. Having to jump through hoops to get pip in the first place now we have to beg for vouchers hiw will this help seriously please leave us alone it's always the weakest they pick on.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 3 months ago
    I have COPD. And R Arthritis all over. I rely on my pip for help with my gas and electric. My dog walks. My Cleaner.  My Taxie to doctors.. They have no I dear what they are going to do to people by taking it away from su after all these years we have had it. They are living in there own little worlds and not in are world. Y is it all ways the old and disabled people that get punished by the government. You still get your big pay rise each year. Don't see you having anything taken away from you people 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 3 months ago
    I have copd,empasima,depression,back issues,vouchers wluldnt help pay my extra rent my landlord charges,nor the extra gas n leccy i use cause im housebound,nor would it pay for taxis if i need go hospital ect,nor would it pay grocery home delivery,or the help i need pay for ppl helping me at home ect
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 3 months ago
    So we are supposed to fork out for stuff and claim money back.    Where do they think we will get the money to fork out in the 1st place. Twats!
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    I worry that changing my pip to vouchers would not work for me as I use the money for monthly bills like utilities £50 each on gas and electricity and my diet food to help with my weight which is £200 as I need to lose weight for a back operation plus other bills, so I'm hoping and begging that the vouchers don't happen because I'll struggle to pay for the things I need to help me I'm scared of accumulating a debt that I won't be able to get out of
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    I feel that the pip system should not be changed it should stay how it is it should not be changed to vouchers as we won't be able to pay bills or pay other stuff when that is the only money we get the benefits should be left alone and as for uc that should be scrap and the system to go back to two weekly payments as uc has messed up so much for so many people and it seems like the poor are getting poorer but what about people who are stupidly rich and I mean stupidly rich why can't they pay more to help the UK why mess with things that don't need messing with 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    Why is king Charles getting a 55 million rise and I am dying and have to loose my pip it's disgusting  shame on England makeing people die cold and hungry while he getss55million and a new helicopter your a joke labour
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 3 months ago
      @EnglishCowboy My god your going through it , I have emphysema, diverticulitis, osteoporosis and more. I have an idea what your feeling, been there. But got through it. I don't socialise or mix with people through my ailments stopping me but you have to get on. I know that's easy said and you sound ten times worse than me but please please try and get a supporter from social services, ring citizens advice or help line all the best to you
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @EnglishCowboy Your value to others is more than your health. You have explained and given a voice to so many who couldn't articulate the sadness you have explained.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @Michelle steele I’m 53 crawl along room to bed to toilet as no help really want to die housebound 7 yrs waiting 14 for disabled home lost my family wife etc mates too now last time I saw human was 2021 tell them often I’m tempted to die again I’m fobbed of or up my meds all I want if not giving me op is a accessible home can’t shower 5 yrs can’t cook 5 yrs already told them come next wk I’m hoping I’m dead this time no one will know where I’m going. I get bullied daily from teens as can’t do out I’m fire risk and begged for help get none. Hate this country now hate my life hate myself hate my body for giving up on me and for having mental health issues and suicidal tendencies but once I’m gone it’s another of list I did say give me some yrs pip upfront do I can buy a place or caravan least try get a life but as you all know. No chance I’m just littery end of rope  other wk had 3 50 min of help after 6wk wanted £500 told them for what. If I fall I can’t get up last time was 8 hrs on floor as osteoarthritis in both knees nerve damage arm’s arthritis all over incl other illnesses if I had enough I be going to indignatas tomorrow 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @Michelle steele Too true that money should go to us not them
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    Ridiculous.
    I have several debilitating conditions in my spine along with bi polar and chronic asthma
    To loose my pip to a catalog!!! Or shop!!! Would put my health at risk. I have a big old house that takes a lot to maintain and heat. I need speacial food for my diet cos I’m diabetic 
    I need 24 hr care but it’s paid for by expenses. I afraid of having strangers coming into care for me so need pip funds to pay my own carers.
    I would be in a very cold house with a bad diet and my health with dwindle as I can imagine will happen to.
    Being bi polar this news has thrown me into a terrible bi polar episode. I’m having morbid thoughts because I’m terrified I won’t cop

  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    I use my monthly PIP payments to support myself and my partner as he is my carer. If they change it so that it’s all based on vouchers, how on earth are we supposed to manage our bills and make sure that there is always food in the house. Equipment buying is all well and good but how many medical devices am I going to need to buy every month?! What about motability? Without that I’ll lose my wheelchair, which I need to get around.

    This is going to have such a negative impact on disabled people.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    If they do this I will not be able to use my car and will be isolated without my car can't use them for fuel or repairs ins to keep me mobile 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    I didn't know about this until now, can we still complaint about this?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @Cy No, the deadline has passed to complete the questionnaire. We will all just have to wait and see now 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    Labour are red tories 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    No to vouchers it’s a disgrace treating people with Disabilities differently is unacceptable as you need cash just like any normal person vouchers are not suitable for most people 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    vouchers instead of cash on pip the government is a absolute joke
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 months ago
    ONLY those on PIP SHOULD OF BEEN ALLOWED TO FILL THIS FORM IN.....
    THOSE YOU LIVE AND UNDERSTAND THE FACT WE NEED CASH NOT VOUCHERS !!!!
    OR A DAMN CATALOGUE !!!!

    DISGUSTING 

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