Exploring the impact of the migration from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on claimants with mental health problems, Richard Machin, Fiona McCormack and Chris Gidlow.
This report summarises the findings of a research project conducted by Staffordshire University and Disability Solutions West Midlands. The research explored the impact of the transition from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on working-age claimants with mental health problems. Using a qualitative methodology, interviews were conducted with thirteen service users from Disability Solutions. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis identified three main themes:
- Overall process led to increased anxiety and uncertainty
- Problems with the PIP claims process
- Positive experiences/elements
The report sets out recommendations on both a local and national level. The local level recommendations include local agencies developing a co-ordinated approach to support PIP claimants with mental health problems and to monitor and report the impact of this aspect of welfare reform. The national level recommendations include a larger scale review of the impact of the move to PIP on claimants with mental health problems and a range of improvements to be made to the communication between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and claimants.
This research was supported by a grant provided by the Centre for Health and Development (CHAD) in 2017. Through awarding such grants, CHAD was delighted to support colleagues from Staffordshire University to carry out small-scale research projects related to health inequalities and with the potential for local impact. Since leading this research, Richard Machin has moved to Nottingham Trent University to take up the post of Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Health. We are delighted that Richard remains involved with CHAD as an Honorary Associate.
Download the full report here.
