PIP recipients, including the 3.7 million people across the UK receiving payments of up to £749.80 every four weeks, often rely on the benefit as a passport to other crucial services, including the Blue Badge scheme, concessionary travel cards, and Carer’s Allowance. Many disabled individuals use PIP as a gateway to accessing local services and support that help make daily life more manageable, such as free or discounted transport.
No Impact on Existing Claimants
Ms. Kendall’s statement has been welcomed by disability advocates, as it reassured recipients that the upcoming welfare changes would not affect their access to these services. “Existing PIP claimants will continue to have that benefit,” she confirmed, addressing concerns raised by MPs in Parliament. “It will not be affected even if they have a reassessment, and neither will all the passported benefits,” she added.
The announcement has alleviated concerns about potential disruptions for those who rely on PIP to gain access to travel concessions, including free or discounted bus passes and railcards, which help them navigate the challenges of everyday life. The Blue Badge scheme, which allows people with disabilities to park closer to essential locations, is another key service that many disabled individuals rely on. This benefit ensures that people with mobility issues are not hindered by parking restrictions, especially in areas where walking long distances is impractical or impossible.
Labour’s Concerns Over Future Eligibility
However, the recent confirmation has not silenced all concerns. Labour MP Dr. Lauren Sullivan, representing Gravesham, pressed the Work and Pensions Secretary for further clarity on how changes to PIP eligibility might impact access to these vital services. PIP eligibility is often used as a passport to services like Blue Badges and concessionary travel passes. Dr. Sullivan noted, “PIP is, of course, a passport to freedom for many other things such as Carer’s Allowance, and many local authorities use PIP for Blue Badges and bus passes. Does the Secretary of State have a plan to mitigate the impact of the potential changes to PIP eligibility on access to Blue Badges and bus passes for disabled people?”
While there were worries that any cuts or reassessments to PIP eligibility could lead to a reduction in access to these services, Ms. Kendall made it clear that the government has taken steps to ensure that current claimants will not face any negative changes. As part of these protections, the government also reassured individuals that Carer’s Allowance and other “passport” benefits would not be affected by the reforms.
The Importance of PIP as a “Passport” Benefit
PIP has long served as a key lifeline for individuals living with disabilities or long-term health conditions. It is designed to help cover the extra costs associated with having a disability, including mobility and care needs. The benefit provides essential financial support for individuals who may otherwise struggle to cover costs for things like transport, care services, or additional equipment needed to support daily living.
As a “passport” benefit, PIP also unlocks access to a range of other services. The Blue Badge scheme, for example, allows eligible individuals to park closer to essential locations, making trips to the grocery store, medical appointments, or social visits more manageable. Similarly, the concessionary travel scheme provides discounted or free travel on buses and trains, reducing the financial burden of transport for those who may not be able to work due to their disability.
For many, these benefits make the difference between a more independent life and one constrained by the limits of mobility and finances. Losing access to them would have a significant impact on quality of life, and that’s why the government’s confirmation that these services will remain intact for current PIP claimants is so important.
How the Changes Will Affect Travel for People on PIP
The new welfare reforms, set to take effect next year, had left many people wondering how changes to PIP would affect their ability to travel. With concessionary travel cards being an essential tool for individuals with mobility issues, the risk of losing access to such cards would have had a ripple effect on the daily lives of millions of people. From attending medical appointments to visiting family, or simply enjoying time out in the community, affordable transport is a lifeline for disabled individuals.
Under the new reforms, the government has assured that people who currently receive PIP will not lose their eligibility for these important services, including travel passes. This means that those who rely on the Blue Badge or concessionary travel schemes can continue to benefit from these vital services without the fear of sudden changes or disruptions. People with disabilities who need accessible transport options to maintain their independence can rest assured that these services will remain unaffected by the upcoming welfare reforms.
Ensuring Stability for Disabled People
The government’s commitment to ensuring that existing claimants will not be negatively impacted by the welfare reform Bill is a welcome relief for millions of disabled individuals. It provides a sense of stability, knowing that their access to critical services like the Blue Badge scheme and concessionary travel cards will remain secure. As Ms. Kendall affirmed, these services are part of a broader effort to support those with disabilities and help them lead as independent a life as possible.
It’s essential that the government continues to listen to the concerns of disabled people and ensure that any future reforms do not unintentionally harm those who rely on these benefits. While this recent confirmation is a positive step, advocacy groups will continue to monitor the implementation of the welfare reform Bill to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are not left behind.
In the meantime, for those currently receiving PIP, the message is clear: there will be no immediate changes to your entitlements. The Blue Badge, concessionary travel cards, and Carer’s Allowance will remain available, allowing disabled people to continue to live as independently as possible.
Source: UK Government, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Parliamentary transcripts, June and July 2025.
Tags: Work and Pensions Liz Kendall, UK government, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), disabled individuals, Blue Badge scheme, travel
