Q&A: Disability benefits and you
- Published
Changes to disability benefits are among a series of welfare reforms taking effect at present
Changes to disability benefits have been gradually introduced across Britain during 2013 and are latest in a series of alterations to the welfare system.
Since April new claimants in north-west and north-east England have been applying for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), rather than Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
New claimants across the rest of Britain started applying for the new PIP benefit from 10 June.
The government planned that from October 2013, those whose circumstances had changed would also be assessed for PIP.
But a change to the timetable means that initially only those in Wales, the East and West Midlands and East Anglia are being affected.
The vast majority of the 3.3 million claimants will continue to claim DLA until 2015.
Disability benefits are extremely complex and part of the aim is to simplify the claiming structure. However, the transfer has proved controversial.
The government maintains the new system will be fairer but some charities argue that thousands of people will see their financial support withdrawn.
What is DLA, and how will it be replaced?
How much is paid through these benefits?
How many people receive the benefit?
What is the timetable for change?
What is the assessment process for PIPs?
How do I get more information about claiming?