New government data released today shows an increase in PIP claimants as the rising cost of living hits disabled people the hardest. Four disabled people discuss how rising costs are impacting their lives.
Data released today from the Department for Work and Pensions shows that 3.7 million people in England and Wales are receiving PIP, a 2% increase since January 2025. More than one in three (37%) receive the highest level of the award, the same rate as January 2025.
The increase in PIP claimants coincides with an increase in living costs, with just over one in two UK households (59%) reporting an increase in March 2025. Disabled households face more challenges, needing an additional £1,010 a month, equivalent to £12,120 annually, to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households, according to Scope.
Disabled People Speak Out About Cost of Living Crisis
Research from Purpl supports this and shows that 89% of disabled people spend their PIP benefit on essentials for living like household bills, mobility aids, healthcare, travel and food. A far cry from the waste that is insinuated by some people.
“At the moment, I use it [PIP] to travel to work and for aids for me to be able to work; without it, I wouldn’t be able to keep my job, and I’d be forced to go on full-time benefits.” – Andy Tomo, a PIP claimant, said.
Welfare cuts announced earlier this year will see eligibility criteria tightened for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), and OBR figures estimate that PIP will be reduced for 800,000 claimants. With the reduction in income, many disabled people may struggle to keep up with the cost of living and the additional costs associated with disability.
“The government’s argument of doing what they can to get people working will backfire with me if they reduce it [PIP] or take it away,” said Andy Tomo. “It also helps compensate against the loss of earnings so I can still pay my utility bills when I have to attend hospital and medical visits, as I’m due to potentially have up to six more surgeries this year.”
The welfare cuts come at a critical time, with many already struggling with the rising cost of living. When asked which aspect of the cost of living crisis has affected them the most, Purpl research found that 56% of disabled people have been most affected by increased food prices. Research from the ONS supports this – in the 12 months to February 2025, UK food inflation stood at 3.3% (CPIH), exceeding overall inflation for the first time since September 2024, indicating a faster rise in food prices.
Steph Kirk said, “Food prices are ridiculous. I’m plant-based originally due to my health and endometriosis, and now for Fibromyalgia and arthritis, too. The cost of being plant-based is ridiculous.”
Along with food prices, energy prices have also risen, and it was voted the second most important aspect of the increased cost of living crisis, according to 29% of disabled PIP claimants. Many disabled people need warm temperatures to prevent illness, and this can lead to sky-high energy bills.
Andromeda Davies commented that her high heating bill is one of the aspects of the cost-of-living crisis that has impacted her. She said, “My conditions are worse when I’m cold. PIP payments barely cover the sides in some months.”
Some people may be able to relieve some of the financial pressure by cutting back on spending and making use of discount sites like Purpl.
Georgina Colman, Founder of Purpl said, “It has been proven that it is more expensive to live as a disabled person. Disabled people are already having to cut back on essentials. If the proposed cuts are introduced, even more disabled people won’t be able to afford the basics to cover their basic needs. Purpl can help ease some of the financial burdens on disabled households. However, we need real policy change for disabled people to be given an equal standing in society.
“I’ve already seen costs rise on my therapies that are critical to keeping my body as mobile as possible. I’m concerned that many people in the disabled community will no longer be able to afford their private therapies and will be looking to the NHS to provide these, which we know they will struggle to provide.
“I started Purpl to help disabled people like myself with the costs of everyday life. We’ve got many discounts and offers on everyday brands; however, Purpl alone is not enough.”
Purpl members can make use of deals on brands like Morrisons, Hoover, Carwow, Ninja, AO, Cinema Society, and hundreds of others. The platform also provides advice and guidance for those living with a disability.
To find out more about Purpl, visit the website.
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