A growing number of disabled and seriously ill people in the UK say they’re being pushed to the edge both mentally and financially because of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)’s approach to disability benefits. Many fear they’ll “die younger” after being discouraged from applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a vital benefit for those living with long-term health conditions.
In recent weeks, charities, MPs, and advocacy groups have warned that reforms to the benefits system and the complexity of the application process are putting vulnerable people at risk sometimes fatally.
What Is PIP and Why Is It So Critical?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK government benefit meant to help people with long-term physical or mental health conditions manage their day-to-day lives. It can be worth up to £172.75 a week depending on severity.
PIP is meant to help cover extra costs such as mobility aids, home adaptations, or help with personal care. It is non-means tested, meaning it’s not affected by your income or savings. Learn more directly on the official gov.uk PIP page.
Why Are People Scared to Apply?
According to recent reports, many individuals avoid applying altogether due to fear, confusion, or trauma from previous dealings with the DWP. The application process has been widely criticized for being long, unclear, and emotionally draining.
A number of cases have shown the tragic consequences of these systemic failures:
- Errol Graham, who died from starvation in 2018 after his benefits were cut.
- Philippa Day, a 27-year-old mother who died by suicide in 2019 following the removal of her benefits.
Charities like Marie Curie and Citizens Advice have spoken out, saying people with serious or terminal illnesses are now skipping applications for fear of being denied or treated unfairly.
The Reforms Making It Worse
The UK government recently proposed a range of benefit reforms that critics say will hit the disabled community the hardest.
Key proposed changes include:
- Cutting up to £6,300 per year from some claimants by tightening PIP eligibility rules.
- Halving the incapacity component of Universal Credit for new claimants starting April 2026, from £423.27 to £208.10/month.
- A government consultation opened in early 2025 seeking input on how to reduce claims and “modernise” PIP, but critics argue the motive is purely cost-saving.
These changes could affect over 1.2 million people, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet. For some terminally ill claimants, it may mean missing out on the limited time they have left with dignity and basic financial support.
Mental Health Impact: “The System Is Designed to Break You”
For many claimants, the process of applying is itself traumatic. Advocacy groups report widespread issues including:
- Inconsistent assessments, often by medical professionals with little relevant expertise
- Unfair denials, especially for those with fluctuating or invisible conditions
- Long waits and delays, causing mental health deterioration
- A lack of safeguarding during the application process for people in crisis
A government-commissioned study titled The Impact of Fluctuating Health Conditions on Assessment confirmed that people with variable conditions often feel penalized.
Some fear losing their current benefits if they attempt to move to PIP and are denied, leaving them in limbo. Others simply don’t have the strength to fight through the appeals process.
Tragic Deaths Prompt Urgent Calls for Change
MPs and advocacy groups are demanding a complete overhaul of how the DWP manages vulnerable claimants. A recent cross-party report called for:
- A legal safeguarding duty for the DWP to protect vulnerable lives
- Independent reviews in cases of suicide or sudden claimant deaths
- Clearer processes and compassionate case handling
What the DWP Says
The Department for Work and Pensions insists it is taking these issues seriously. It has launched a consultation on safeguarding and insists no decisions have been made about removing financial support.
A DWP spokesperson said the department is “committed to improving the experience of disabled people applying for benefits” and welcomes public feedback.
Final Thoughts
What’s clear is that fear, confusion, and a complex system are deterring the very people benefits like PIP were designed to help. With reforms looming and lives at stake, many are calling on the government to rethink its approach before more lives are lost not just to illness, but to despair.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the benefits process, you can reach out to:
