Just as the Labour Party government is tabling reforms and cuts to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits like PIP, a new report by a think tank has exposed that, far from being a drain on public finances, health and disability-related welfare is actually good for both the claimant and society more broadly.
DWP PIP is good for chronically ill and disabled people
For 3.5 million people in the UK, DWP benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are a lifeline. These programs cover essential extra living costs, such as mobility aids and support for daily activities. Yet, the value of these benefits transcends mere financial support.
Think tank Pro Bono Economics has released a new report. It’s called More than money: The life-long wellbeing impact of disability benefits.
The study reveals that receiving chronic illness or disability benefits increases life satisfaction by an average of 0.79 points on a 10-point scale. This improvement becomes even more pronounced over time, reaching 1.1 points after four years of receiving support.
For individuals in poor health, the impact is even greater, with life satisfaction increasing by 1.2 points. This boost reflects not only financial relief but also enhanced mental health, social inclusion, and reduced anxiety.
The monetary value of this wellbeing improvement is staggering. According to the study, the annual wellbeing benefit for each recipient of DWP PIP or DLA is valued at £12,300. This translates to an estimated £42 billion in total annual benefits for all recipients, far outweighing the £28 billion cost of providing these benefits. For every £1 spent on disability support, the UK economy gains £1.48 in wellbeing benefits.
Cutting these benefits would not only diminish the quality of life for millions but also negate these substantial economic gains. The government must recognise that disability benefits are an investment in public health and societal wellbeing, not a drain on public resources.
A lifeline for so many people
Behind the DWP PIP statistics are real people whose lives have been transformed by disability benefits.
Take Peter, for example, a single Autistic man in his fifties who also lived with communication difficulties. Before receiving PIP, Peter relied on food banks and struggled with severe mental health challenges due to financial stress. The award of PIP doubled his income, enabling him to pay off debts, improve his mental health, and escape the cycle of poverty.
Peter described the support as giving him “a new life”.
Similarly, Anatoli and Agnes, a refugee couple, faced insurmountable financial difficulties due to Anatoli’s disabilities. Their approval for PIP provided the financial stability needed to access healthcare and rebuild their lives in the UK. Stories like these highlight the irreplaceable role of disability benefits in fostering dignity and independence.
Despite their proven benefits, not all eligible individuals receive disability support. Complex application processes, lack of awareness, and fear of rejection deter many from claiming their entitlements. For those who attempt to navigate the system, the process can exacerbate mental health challenges and anxiety.
In 2023/24, nearly 37% of DWP PIP awards were granted for mental health conditions, reflecting the growing need for support in this area. Yet, proposals to tighten eligibility criteria or add further barriers could prevent many vulnerable individuals from accessing the assistance they desperately need.
The government’s rationale for reducing disability benefits may stem from a desire to control public spending. However, the evidence suggests that such cuts would be a false economy.
DWP PIP cuts are illogical – unless your corporate capitalist Labour
The wellbeing benefits of disability support via DWP PIP not only enhance recipients’ lives but also generate significant economic returns. Furthermore, reducing benefits would likely increase demand on other public services, such as healthcare and social care, exacerbating existing pressures on these systems.
Improving, rather than restricting, access to disability benefits is the way forward. Simplifying application processes, raising awareness about eligibility, and collaborating with charities can ensure that support reaches those who need it most. Organisations like Z2K already play a vital role in helping disabled individuals navigate the system, but their efforts must be complemented by systemic reforms.
As the government considers reforms to the disability benefit system, it must prioritise the wellbeing of disabled people. Maintaining—and even expanding—current levels of support is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. Any reforms should focus on reducing barriers and improving access, ensuring that those eligible can claim their entitlements without undue hardship.
Disability benefits like DWP PIP are not a luxury; they are a lifeline for millions of people facing systemic inequalities and additional living costs.
Cutting these benefits would harm some of the most vulnerable members of society and undermine the economic and social fabric of the nation. The evidence is clear: investing in disability benefits is investing in a healthier, happier, and more inclusive society.
Featured image via the Canary
