A growing number of young Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants are losing their disability benefits when they turn 16, leaving many struggling without support despite having incurable conditions. As reported by Nottinghamshire Live, BBC analysis reveals that nearly one-third of children who previously received Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are being denied PIP when transitioning to the adult version of the benefit. This abrupt change has sparked concerns among disability rights groups, who argue that the system is too complex, unfair, and failing vulnerable young people who still need financial assistance.
Young Claimants Struggling After Losing Support
Many teenagers affected by this issue feel unfairly assessed, with some stating that their conditions have not improved but their financial support has been suddenly removed. One young claimant shared her frustration, saying:
“My condition has not magically disappeared and I’m not faking this. Everything was taken so quickly, and I felt angry, neglected, and like I hadn’t been believed.”
She added that losing her PIP entitlement made it harder to carry out basic daily tasks, explaining:
“My parents even have to be there when I shower or boil a kettle as I could have a seizure. I understand there could be changes to conditions, but that’s what reviews are for—you shouldn’t just have your money stopped when you are not old enough for the process.”
Disability Charities Call for Urgent Reform
Disability charity Scope has criticised the current system, calling it “complex, adversarial, and difficult to navigate.” James Taylor, executive director of strategy at Scope, described the situation as deeply concerning, urging the government to fix what he called a “broken welfare system”.
Michelle Cardno, founder of Fightback4Justice, added that many teenagers affected by these cuts are not prepared to handle the adult benefit system, stating:
“Young people are being treated as adults from the day they reach 16, when most do not understand the system.”
DWP Responds Amidst £6 Billion Budget Cuts
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has acknowledged the concerns but has not indicated any immediate changes. A DWP spokesperson stated that the government is planning to reform the health and disability benefits system to make it fairer and help more people move into employment, adding:
“Building on our Get Britain Working White Paper, we will bring forward proposals for reforming the health and disability benefits system within weeks, so that it provides children, young adults, and their families with the support they need in a way that’s fair on the taxpayer.”
The statement comes as the DWP faces £6 billion in planned budget cuts, raising concerns that further restrictions could be placed on disability benefits in the near future.
