An Investigation into the Lived Experiences of Individuals Applying for Personal Independence Payment

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to provide an examination into the lived experiences of individuals caught up in the application process for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Upon achieving this, the study seeks to highlight how the benefit's controversial claiming process is negatively affecting the lives of the claimants. Early reports have suggested a number of problems have emerged for disabled claimants when applying for PIP due to frequent delays and issues transcending through the process. The literature review discusses the relationship between disabled people and stress, the social disability model and how disabled people are at risk of social exclusion. The methodological approach adopted within this research involves the use of semi-structured interviews with experienced employees who work closely with those claiming PIP on a day-to-day basis. These interviews were designed to illicit in-depth and multi-dimension understandings of the lived experiences of people claiming the Personal Independent Payment. Further insight into these lived experiences was gained through the collection of data related to case studies of clients who have received help with a variety of issues during their application process, at the Citizens Advice Bureau. The findings and discussion chapter centrally reveals huge delays in the processing of claims for the benefit. These delays have impacted negatively upon the lives of claimants. Moreover many claimants going through the long and complex processes are struggling with different aspects relating to PIP claims and payments. Consequently many applicants have not received adequate financial help during the delay period. When this financial loss is combined with the increased stress and anxiety from completing the applications PIP claimants have experienced multi-dimensional forms of social exclusion due to lack of money and worsening health conditions.