DLA and welfare reform

The Welfare Reform Bill, introduced to Parliament in Westminster in February, outlines the UK Government's plans to abolish Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and replace it with a new benefit called Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for people over the age of 16 from 2013 across the UK.  The Government aims to cut expenditure on PIP to 20% below DLA spending, by ‘targeting’ the benefit more.

Although the Government has said that no reform to DLA for children is planned until after 2013. The public consultation on DLA reform, published in December 2010, made it clear that the Government is considering applying their DLA proposals to children.  NDCS is concerned that the system for over 16s will be reformed without giving proper consideration to the impact this will have on under 16s.

From 2013, deaf young people who are 16 or over will be moved from DLA to PIP. NDCS is seeking assurances from the Government that there will be a clear transition pathway  from children’s benefits to adult benefits and that young deaf people aged 16 to 18 will not be subject to a face to face assessment for PIP.

NDCS is calling on the Government to:

• Give a clear statement that reform to the adult disability benefit system will not create circumstances that disadvantage deaf children.
• Set out a clear timetable for reform including a consultation on proposals for deaf and other disabled children.
• Ensure less frequent assessments for children whose hearing impairment will not change or get better and no face to face assessments for deaf children.
• Ensure the qualification period before entitlement to DLA at least stays at 3 months, if it is not lowered to immediately on diagnosis.
• Ensure a clear transition pathway from children’s benefits to adult benefits.

NDCS has briefed MPs on issues around DLA refom for deaf children.

In February 2011, NDCS responded to the public consultation on reform of Disability Living Allowance. The UK Government made their response to the submissions they received in April. See the news story below for more information.

19 January 2012
Deaf young people stand to lose out after Lords debate benefits

4 April 2011
NDCS welcomes delay to DLA reforms for under 16s

4 March 2011
Welfare reform may disadvantage deaf children warns NDCS

15 February 2011
NDCS and parents urge clarity on children in DLA reform 

13 January 2011
DLA reforms announced 

In addition to reform of DLA, the Government is also making other changes to benefits that will affect deaf children and their families. Including changes to Child Tax Credits and Employment Support Allowance. NDCS has prepared a briefing on this.

In May, the Government produced a draft asessment criteria for PIP. NDCS commented expressing our grave concerns that as it stands the criteria will mean that many deaf young people will not qualify for PIP.

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