Hi there<br />I am writing as I have been very worried to read about the plans to change PIP to vouchers instead of cash<br />Not everyone is able to work full time and PIP allows many people with health conditions to work part time while still being able to sustain their lives independently thanks to the support of PIP. <br />I am worried that the proposed changes would make it harder for disabled people to work. I fear that by forcing these changes you ironically may make more people too sick to work at all<br />

PIP helps disabled people work sustainably

It's not just food disabled people buy this helps with the spiralling bills too. Gas and electric, water, council tax. If they just gave vouchers for food what happens to the shortfall if unable to work. It's discrimination and unfair

Retired

Level 3 Change Maker

Govt should rather focus on cutting benefits on young people who are relying on benefits and choosing not to work than the disabled people their life is already depressed and full of anxiety the only slight freedom they have this extra few hundreds a month but you are thinking of sparing that, absolutely shambolic.

Transport and Logistics

Changing PIP from cash to vouchers would not help the ill and disabled at all. What would happen if you had a doctors appointment and needed a taxi, how would we be able to pay? then say you come out of the doctors and you need to buy some food or even sweet items for people who need to boost their energy levels who are low on their sugars, how can you buy these instant items with vouchers? I know for a fact that this would affect my mental health in a big way and I'm sure that I will not be alone. Disgraceful I say. Why pick on the ill or disabled, it is discrimination.

I receive basic rate PIP - my condition means I can only work part time. PIP allows me to a get a cleaner and taxi’s when I need them so I can conserve my energy and still get to work and family commitments when the pain is bad. It has allowed me to get things that help me stay independent - a TENs machine, a perching stool for the kitchen, cushioned insoles, a folding walking stick. Pays for deliveries if I can’t get to the shop. We deserve the dignity to choose which aspects of our life need to spend it on, prescriptive vouchers would take away the freedom to target where we spend the money.

Employed

I’m 71 and was for some unknown reason moved on to PIP from Disability Allowance. I’m just dreading what life will be like if the measures proposed come into force. My heating bills are expensive not only because of the increased prices but because I feel the cold badly and need to keep warm. The cold exacerbates my condition. I live alone with my pet dog who I rely on for company and to warn me if there is anyone outside. I don’t know how vouchers are going to pay for all the costs associated with these. Similarly, I have a car because I wouldn’t be able to get about otherwise. I can’t have a motability car because I wouldn’t be able to take my dog in it. She has to go to the vets and various other places, plus she makes me feel safe. I suffered mental and physical abuse for 27 years and I’m afraid to go out anywhere without my dog or a person I know well. How would vouchers pay for these? Overall, I think the scheme will be very bureaucratic and cost a lot of money to administer, probably more than is being paid out now in benefits for people with disabilities. If this scheme comes into force, it’s going to penalise those who can least afford it. We have a lot to contend with without being forced into abject poverty. It’s notable that neither conservatives nor labour have mentioned this issue in their campaigns. I’m terrified of what’s going to happen.

Level 2 Change Maker

I buy supplements, so vouchers will be no hood for this, what about a new bed or replacing my wheelchair, replacing the battery, running the car for appointments, having modifications to the van so I can take my wheelchair, all of these things neeed cash, not vouchers!

I am a member of the community who depends on my pip I’m 29 got registered blind last year as I’m loosing my sight slowly I have Epilepsy ADHD Cerebal paulsy Degenerative disc disease Emotional Unstable Personality Disorder Retinitispigmentosa in both eyes Postural hypertension High blood pressure Asthma on the verge of COPD Sleep Apnea With a bunch of other thing all in all I have 30 different things wrong im ashamed Im 29 that’s still classes me as not so young any more as im 30 in January 2025 IM ALSO IN A WHEELCHAIR I need my benefits through the cash system as I have to get taxis around etc and buy personal things to help me live a normal So keep cash system as is it that’s my opinion and do the light review as agreed

Level 1 Change Maker

I pay my taxes to support the people in society who need it ! geraldine

London Borough of Hillingdon

Thanks for starting this campaign, this is a really important issue!

Organise

Level 4 Change Maker

My pip goes towards the costs of running my car and keeping my electric topped up as my shower is an important tool in my house