As someone who has fought tirelessly for years to receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), I can attest firsthand to the vital role this support plays in my life. The funds I receive are used towards the upkeep of my assistance dog, a lifeline that helps me with everyday tasks such as getting dressed and undressed. However, current Social Security legislation only recognises assistance dogs as those working for blind or deaf individuals. This means that despite my dog qualifying as an assistance dog under the Equality Act, any changes to PIP could result in me losing this invaluable support. 

The proposed “reforms” to PIP threaten not just me but many disabled people who already face a lower quality of life at higher costs than non-disabled people. It is crucial we remember that according to Scope's Disability Price Tag report 2019, disabled people face extra costs of £583 on average per month compared with non-disabled individuals and this does not include the cost of needing an assistance dog.

These reforms risk exacerbating these financial pressures and could force many like myself into residential care - a fate we desperately wish to avoid. We need your help in stopping these detrimental changes and ensuring that all disabled individuals continue receiving the necessary support they deserve. If this is to be by vouchers then the vouchers should cover vet bills, pet insurance and dog food within the proposed vouchers.

Please sign this petition today and stand up against unfair reforms that threaten our independence and quality of life.