Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will provide additional financial support for disabled people during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government has committed to an unprecedented package to support individuals through this difficult time. Individuals with disabilities will benefit from the comprehensive level of support to individuals provided during the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes the introduction of the Coronavirus Job Retention and Self-Employment Income Support Schemes, as well as the injection of an additional £8bn into the welfare system according to OBR estimates.

The Government’s support package during the current pandemic sits alongside a substantial set of welfare support for disabled individuals. The Government will spend nearly £50 billion this year on benefits to support disabled people and people with health conditions. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) remains the primary means of support to help with some of the extra cost of long-term ill-health or disability, and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for those who have a disability or health condition that may affect how much they can work.

The Government has implemented a range of measures to make access to disability benefits easier and to protect existing claimants during the current situation. This includes temporarily suspending face to face assessments.