The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has responded to a petition signed by over 10,000 people urging the Labour government to amend Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rules to include type 1 diabetes as a qualifying condition. The petition, lodged on the parliamentary petitions website, argues that type 1 diabetics often do not qualify for PIP despite facing a dangerous condition that requires round-the-clock management.
Petition highlights lack of understanding in PIP assessments
The petition states: "We believe there is a general lack of understanding and education of Type 1 Diabetes which may affect PIP assessments. Managing Type 1 Diabetes is a relentless, 24-hour responsibility that requires frequent blood glucose monitoring, insulin adjustments, and careful planning around food, activity, and stress." It adds that when combined with full-time employment, this can lead to "significant physical exhaustion and mental burnout." The petition calls for more type 1 diabetics to receive PIP to fund technology not provided by the NHS and to allow reduced working hours due to the condition's demands.
DWP defends functional assessment approach
In its official response, the DWP explained: "PIP is not condition-based. Individuals are assessed by disability experts who focus on functional needs. The Timms Review will ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future and will report in the autumn." The department emphasised that PIP uses a functional assessment to measure the impact of a health condition on daily life, rather than focusing solely on the diagnosis. "Health conditions may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive, or any combination of these, and the assessment was designed to take a comprehensive approach to disability," the DWP added.
Timms Review promises future reforms
The DWP also highlighted the Timms Review, launched as the first full review of PIP and its assessment. The review is being co-produced with disabled people, their representative organisations, and other experts to ensure a wide range of views are heard. The steering group, almost all of whom are disabled, is examining whether the current assessment effectively captures the impact of long-term health conditions in the modern world. The review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in autumn, with an interim update in summer.
