McCausland welcomes ‘change of mind’ on Personal Independence Payment

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed the Westminster Government’s decision to shorten the qualifying period for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from six to three months.
~ Monday, 23 January 2012

Nelson McCausland said: “This is good news for many people with disabilities and groups representing them. I had concerns that a qualifying period of six months for the Personal Independence Payment would have placed a terrific strain on household budgets, especially at a time when food and fuel prices are rocketing.

“It is widely accepted that the early part of a person’s illness is when support is needed the most. Extra costs are incurred because of visits to hospital and, in many cases, support through the benefit system is the only source of additional help.”

The change is the result of pressure from peers and lobbying from disability groups. An amendment to the Westminster Welfare Reform Bill giving effect to the change was debated in the House of Lords last week.

Minister McCausland added: “The DWP Minister Maria Miller visited my Department recently and we spoke at length about the introduction of Personal Independence Payment. Whilst it is important to revamp the current welfare system, which is flawed and complex, it is also important to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our society are protected.

“This move from the Government is a welcome step in ensuring that those most in need are supported, and that they can continue to have the freedom to enjoy as independent a life as possible."

Under the current proposals for PIP a person would have had to have met the conditions of entitlement during the six months preceding the date they actually become entitled. There is also an expectation that they will continue to meet those conditions for a further six months following that date. These are known respectively as the qualifying period and prospective test. For DLA the qualifying period is three months and the prospective test six months.

The amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill will result in a qualifying period of three months and a prospective test of nine months. The combined effect of the required period condition is that the individual will have to be, or would be expected to be, substantially disabled for a period of not less than 12 months. This ensures that PIP is targeted at those with a long term condition.

Notes to editors:

1. 185,000 people in Northern Ireland are currently in receipt of DLA. 117,000 people aged 16-64 will have their cases reviewed beginning in 2013 when plans to replace DLA, and introduce a new Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will come into effect. Children aged under 16 and adults aged over 65 will not have their cases reviewed under the current reform plans.
2. PIP will target help at those who need it the most. It will provide tax free, non-means-tested financial support to those with a long-term disability.
3. It will have two components – a daily living component and a mobility component which will be payable at either a standard or enhanced rate.
4. Decisions on entitlement will be made using a range of evidence including that from an assessment carried out by an independent healthcare professional.
5. Media enquiries to DSD Communications Team on 028 9082 9456 or email press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.