Help to shape PIP for people with neurological conditions

Earlier this year, the UK Government proposed significant changes to tighten the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment criteria. In July, following campaigning from across the disability sector and opposition from MPs, the Government decided to halt its plans.

Now, any changes to the PIP assessment will only be taken forward following a review led by the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP.

Take part in our study

Our Evidence Team invites you to participate in interviews as part of a study titled, ‘Helping to shape PIP reform for people with long-term neurological conditions’. The study intends to make sure that PIP assessments and the award process meet the needs of people living with long-term, often fluctuating, neurological conditions.

The interviews will pay particular attention to the challenges people living with MS face during the assessment process, including:

• How fluctuation in symptoms can be better assessed

• How invisible symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, can be better assessed

• How challenges with mobility can be better assessed

Through these interviews, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of participants’ experiences and perspectives related to the PIP process – and feed this evidence into the Timms Review consultation.

What will it involve?

Each interview will last approximately one hour and can take place online through Teams or Zoom or by telephone at a time convenient for you.

All responses will be treated with strict confidentiality. No personal identifiers will be used in any publications or reports resulting from this study.

How do I participate?

If you’d like more information or to participate, please email us at [email protected] by Saturday 20 December.

Your insights would be valuable to our research and help to ensure PIP reform is suitable for people with MS.