Pay PIP Now
Our Pay PIP Now petition called for the UK Government to cut waits for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The campaign is now closed and gathered over 12,000 names.
Over the course of the campaign, average waiting times fell from 20 weeks to 13 weeks. We know many people are still waiting too long for the support they urgently need and are entitled to.
What is PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means tested benefit. It's designed to help with some of the extra costs arising from a health condition or disability.
A disproportionate number of those on PIP are on low incomes. This means it is a vital source of financial support for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
Why is it important for people living with cancer?
A cancer diagnosis can cause huge financial worries. Many people living with cancer need to rely on PIP to cover mounting costs due to their diagnosis.
For instance, they may have to pay for travel to hospital. Or they might be spending more on heating their home, as they feel the cold more because of their treatment.
Across the UK there are more than 250,000 people with cancer (one in 12) who receive vital financial support via PIP.
Stories from people living with cancer
Kathy
Sarifa
What we achieved
In April 2022, the average waiting time for PIP was 20 weeks. Delayed payments are backdated, but the immediate impact of cancer means many people can face difficulty.
Over 12,000 campaigners signed our petition calling for the UK Government to tackle the unacceptably long waits. This demonstrates the strength of support from Macmillan campaigners on this issue.
Since the start of our campaign, the average PIP waiting time has fallen to 13 weeks (as of June 2023). We know that many people with cancer are still waiting too long for their PIP claim to be processed. That’s why are continuing to apply pressure for change through our influencing work.
If you are affected by this issue, our Macmillan Welfare Rights Advisers are available through the Macmillan Support Line, call for free on 0800 808 00 00.
Our Pay PIP Now petition is now closed, but you can sign up to be a campaigner to hear about our latest campaigns and ways to take action.
Our campaign takes over Westminster
January 2023 we took over Westminster Underground station with the Pay PIP Now campaign. Our billboards highlighted the impact PIP delays can have on people living with cancer, over the course of the 16-week average waiting time.
It’s crucial that decision makers understand why PIP waiting times are too long. Through the advertising, we aim to target the Westminster politicians and staffers who can make change happen on their commute.
