Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether a person unable to plan and follow journeys as a result of psychological distress, but not otherwise impaired, will qualify for the enhanced rate of personal independence payment after the coming into force of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) (Amendment) Regulations 2017.

Psychological distress is not itself a “mental condition” or “impairment”, but rather a symptom which may come and go at different times and with varying frequency or causes depending on the individual. There are circumstances in which someone with a mental condition may get the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). However, PIP claimants who cannot undertake any journey because of overwhelming psychological distress alone, that is without any other symptom associated with their condition or conditions which may affect their ability to plan and follow a journey or move around, will continue to be entitled to the standard rate of the mobility component.