Although Universal Credit and PIP can be paid together, they are currently separate benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says integrating PIP and Universal Credit is “on the table” at the Conservative Party conference.
Thérèse Coffey, the Secretary of State at the DWP, has suggested that PIP and Universal Credit be combined. During the recent Conservative Party conference, Ms Coffey was questioned about state benefits.
Although Universal Credit and PIP can be paid together, they are currently separate benefits. PIP payments will have no bearing on the amount of Universal Credit paid, although the DWP acknowledged yesterday that these regulations may be changed in the future.
As the Government contemplates social security reforms, Dr. Coffey stated this week that the combination of Universal Credit and PIP remained “on the table.” Ms Coffey allegedly refused to rule out the prospect of bringing the two together in response to a question from the Disability News Service (DNS).
In light of a benefits green paper produced in late July, the DNS highlighted the possibility. The integration of extra benefits, according to this report, might make the application and assessment processes for claimants easier.
Dr. Coffey confirmed the possibility of a merger between means-tested universal credit and non-means-tested PIP when asked about it: The simplest way to put it is that everything is on the table, because the green paper is extremely broad, and we want to focus on true innovative thinking.
When asked by the DNS if she would confirm that PIP would not be folded into the universal credit system, she said no.
The eligibility and assessment processes for PIP and Universal Credit are currently different. Claimants who are between the ages of 16 and state pension age may be eligible for PIP.
They must also have a long-term physical or mental health condition or handicap, be having trouble doing daily duties or getting around, and expect these difficulties to remain at least 12 months from the time they began.