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<p>Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a more modern, dynamic and fairer benefit
than its predecessor, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), designed to focus support
on those experiencing the greatest barriers to living independently. DLA had not been
fundamentally reformed since it was introduced over 25 years ago and it lacked some
of the basic checks and reviews that are integral to most other State-funded support.</p><p>
</p><p>Built on rules developed for disability benefits created in the 1970s, DLA
was also a product of its time, focusing primarily on physical disabilities, whereas
we now have a better understanding of the needs of individuals with mental health
conditions, learning difficulties, and sensory impairments like blindness. Understanding
of conditions like autism has also changed measurably. That is why we introduced PIP.
Reform of DLA had long been overdue and the benefit had to be changed to better support
disabled people to lead independent lives as they want to today. PIP provides an opportunity
to better target support for disabled people and to enable them to lead full, active
and independent lives.</p><p> </p><p>At the core of the benefit’s design is the principle
that awards of the benefit should be made according to a claimant’s overall level
of need; entitlement being assessed on the basis of the needs arising from a health
condition or disability. It is intended to act as a contribution <br>towards the extra
costs that arise as a result of a long-term health condition or disability. We take
all feedback regarding the benefit and assessment process seriously; and we remain
committed to continuous improvements and working closely with claimants and <br>representative
organisations.</p>
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