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Social Security Benefits: Disability

Answer

The Government is not intending to make an assessment of the average additional costs disabled people may incur at home and the level of social security benefits.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is intended to act as a contribution towards extra costs that arise as a result of a long-term health condition or disability. PIP is not means–tested, non-contributory and thus paid regardless of any income or savings.

The Government is providing extensive support to disabled people and those with a health condition to help them live independent lives.

In 2022/23 we will spend over £64bn on benefits to support disabled people and people with health conditions in Great Britain.

In response to the cost of living pressures, the Government announced over £37bn of cost of living support earlier this year, which includes:

• a Disability Cost of Living Payment of £150 to six million people in recognition of the extra costs they face, including with energy costs;
• up to £650 in Cost of Living Payments for the eight million households in receipt of a means-tested benefit;
• a one-off payment of £300 through, and as an addition to, the Winter Fuel Payment from November to pensioner households;
• the £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households provided through the Energy Bills Support Scheme in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee from now until April next year.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

73861

Session

2022-23

Subjects

Disability Costs Heating Social security benefits

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk