The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 32 heart and vascular conditions can qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), ahead of the Timms Review's final recommendations to Andy Burnham. The review, led by Sir Stephen Timms, is examining how the PIP system operates for claimants and taxpayers, with the Labour government overseeing the process.
PIP was introduced in 2013 to support disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, helping them to live independently. The review comes amid concerns over the rising welfare bill, and Timms has previously warned that the current system is failing both claimants and the government.
Timms Review aims to reform PIP
Earlier this year, Timms issued a stark warning about the state of PIP. He said: "Our message is simple: PIP is not working. It is not working for the people that go through the process, nor for a government committed to supporting disabled people."
He added: "We are committed to making changes so that PIP can fulfil its purpose for disabled people and those with long-term conditions, both now and into the future. Doing so will require us to be radical in our thinking and bold in our recommendations for reform."
The review is set to deliver its final recommendations to Andy Burnham, who has confirmed he is "not squeamish" about implementing DWP cuts, signalling potential changes to the welfare system.
32 heart conditions that qualify for PIP
The DWP has listed 32 heart and vascular conditions that can qualify for PIP. These include:
- Aneurysm - aortic or cerebral or other (type not known) - 3,653
- Atrial fibrillation/flutter - 4,523
- Bradycardia - 169
- Cardiac arrhythmia - Pacemaker/implantable defibrillator fitted or other (type not known) - 2,869
- Heart block - 576
- Tachycardia - 3,647
- Cardiac failure - 16,660
- Cardiomyopathy - 4,469
- Atrioseptal defect (ASD) - 555
- Coarctation of the aorta - 139
- Fallot's tetralogy - 222
- Heart disease - Congenital - Other / type not known - 4,044
- Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) - 24
- Ventriculoseptal defect (VSD) - 440
- Heart transplantation - 307
- Hypertension - 6,248
- Angina - 8,846
- Ischaemic heart disease - Other / type not known - 10,489
- Myocardial infarction - 11,795
- Pericarditis - 257
- Aortic valve disease - 1,341
- Malformations of the heart - Congenital - Other / type not known - 1,131
- Mitral valve - 650
- Pulmonary valve disease - 227
- Tricuspid valve disease - 78
- Arterial disease excluding coronary - Other / type not known - 2,122
- Atherosclerosis (PVD / Claudication) - 2,092
- Buerger's disease - 128
- Raynaud's disease/phenomenon - 2,420
- Deep vein thrombosis - 3,404
- Peripheral venous disease - Other / type not known - 1,708
- Cardiovascular disease - Other / type not known - 10,528
These figures represent the number of claimants with each condition who are currently receiving PIP, according to the DWP data.
Impact of the review on claimants
The Timms Review is expected to recommend changes that could affect how PIP is assessed and awarded. The review's focus on making the system more efficient for both claimants and taxpayers suggests that some conditions may see altered eligibility criteria in the future.
Andy Burnham's comments about being "not squeamish" about DWP cuts indicate that the government is prepared to make difficult decisions on welfare spending. The final recommendations from the Timms Review will be submitted to Burnham, and any changes to PIP will be implemented following that process.
