Swindon charity says PIP helps disabled people ‘get through in life’
The government is planning to tighten the eligibility criteria
A Swindon-based charity is highlighting the importance of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people living with disabilities.
Phoenix Enterprises works with people who have learning difficulties as well as physical difficulties.
Yesterday (18 March), Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, announced that the government will narrow eligibility for PIP, which is the UK’s main disability benefit.
Louise Hunt Skelley, employment specialist at Phoenix Enterprises and Paralympian, said: “I can speak first-hand about how expensive my life is just because I have to live my life in a set of wheels. I use a wheelchair full time and the costs that are associated with that are astronomical. The PIP that I personally receive doesn't even come close to covering the costs that I incur.
“As a disabled person, however, I'm incredibly grateful for it because it massively helps, and it means I can be independent. It's very expensive to be disabled, but I know the difference that little bit can make that just helps you get through in life”.
Of those people who receive support from Phoenix Enterprises, Louise says that “way over 50%” are currently eligible for PIP.
However, this could change with the changes that are being made to the welfare system.
“I think is a mixture of emotions really, because of course there's a level of understanding as to why things need to change. I think the last thing any of anyone in this country wants is for us to be it any kind of financial debt or trouble. But equally, obviously, it's a concern.
“I'm hopeful that everybody that is fully entitled and eligible for it remains receiving it so they can live the best independent life they possibly can because having a disability shouldn't mean that you can't lift your full potential and absorb every opportunity that non-disabled people have”, added Louise.
“We want everyone to have equal opportunity and that little bit of money that often comes from PIP can be the difference between equal opportunity and people missing out, which should never be the case”.