The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a new statement on eligibility for Personal Independence Payments, following calls for additional support for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. In a parliamentary written question, Liberal Democrat MP Jess Brown-Fuller asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, whether the Government is considering extra support for people with Type 1 Diabetes through PIP.
DWP Confirms PIP Assessment Based on Functional Impact
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, responded that PIP is not awarded based on a specific diagnosis but on the functional impact a condition has on daily life. He stated: “Personal Independent Payment (PIP) is a non-means tested benefit intended to help with extra costs arising from long-term health conditions or disabilities. It is not awarded based on a diagnosis, instead, entitlement is determined by the functional impact a person’s condition has on their daily lives and is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the severity of the condition and how it affects the claimant’s day to day life.”
He added: “People with Type 1 Diabetes may be eligible for PIP where their condition results in functional limitations that meet the entitlement criteria. At present, there are no specific plans to introduce additional PIP support solely for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.”
Timms Review Launched to Reform PIP
To ensure PIP remains fair and fit for the future, the Government has launched the Timms Review, which aims to reform the system. Sir Stephen said: “The Timms Review aims to ensure we have a system that supports disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence, including through employment. The Review is being co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, and other experts. The Review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by autumn 2026.”
PIP payments range from £121.20 to £778.80 per 4-week period, depending on how a condition affects daily living and mobility needs. However, a petition on the Parliament website, created by Emily Jones, argues that Type 1 Diabetes is a debilitating condition 24 hours a day and is unfairly excluded from PIP.
Petition Calls for Clear Inclusion of Type 1 Diabetes
The petition has reached 16,457 signatures and states: “Amend standards for PIP to clearly include type 1 diabetics. Type 1 diabetics do not usually qualify for PIP despite dealing with a dangerous condition 24 hours a day. We believe there is a general lack of understanding and education of Type 1 Diabetes which may affect PIP assessments.” It highlights the relentless nature of managing the condition, including frequent blood glucose monitoring, insulin adjustments, and careful planning, which can lead to physical exhaustion and mental burnout, especially when combined with full-time employment.
The DWP responded that PIP uses a functional assessment to measure the impact of a health condition on day-to-day life, rather than focusing on the condition itself. The assessment looks at an individual's ability to carry out key everyday activities such as preparing food, dressing, making budgeting decisions, managing health, engaging with others, and planning journeys. The criteria were developed with independent specialists and disabled people to ensure a comprehensive approach.
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a parliamentary debate, forcing the DWP to defend its position and increasing pressure for change.
