Proposed cuts to DLA will affect people with arthritis

Hundreds of thousands of disabled people are set to lose benefits and Motability vehicles under the final rules for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the benefit that will replace Disability Living Allowance.

The new criteria for PIP are tougher than for DLA, so many will lose DLA and access to the Motability Scheme, which provides vehicles. The rules will affect everyone who claims DLA, as all current DLA claimants will be re-assessed to see if they qualify for PIP.

A key change is the test for people who find it difficult to walk. Claimants will only qualify for the enhanced mobility component of PIP if they are unable to walk more than 20 metres. Over 100,000 disabled people will lose their Motability vehicle – a lifeline to being able to lead independent lives.

On top of that, the proposal that claimants are only deemed able to walk more than 20 metres if they can do so “safely, reliably, repeatedly and in a timely manner” will not be included in the regulations. This provision would have enabled the assessment to take account claimants experiencing pain, fatigue and conditions fluctuating, all issues that are vital to many people with arthritis.

Take action

Leading charity Arthritis Care has teamed up with disability charities to form the Hardest Hit Campaign, challenging cuts to disability benefits.

To get involved visit www.arthritiscare.org.uk or tel 0808 800 4050.