Upcoming DWP session could reveal future of PIP payments: Vouchers and grants may replace cash

Over 3.6 million individuals on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could discover as early as next week if the proposed changes detailed in the 'Modernising support for independent living: the health and disability green paper' will be implemented under the new Labour Government.

The forthcoming Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) oral questions session is scheduled for Monday, October 7 in the House of Commons. This will be the first opportunity for the new ministerial team, headed by Liz Kendall, to answer questions from the Opposition benches.

An online consultation regarding the proposed overhaul of the benefits system, which includes abolishing the Work Capability Assessment and introducing a single tier assessment approach for all benefits, garnered over 16,000 responses. Shortly after the consultation closed on July 22, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms MP, stated that the DWP will review the feedback while "considering our own approach to social security in due course".

READ MORE: DWP PIP changes as claimants to face new assessment rules

More recently, in a written reply to Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy's query about whether the DWP intends to "reform or replace" the Work Capability Assessment, Sir Stephen confirmed that the government is "committed to reforming or replacing the Work Capability Assessment, alongside putting in place a proper plan to support disabled people into work".

He elaborated: "We will also give disabled people the confidence to start working without fear of an immediate benefit reassessment if it does not work out. More disabled people and those with health conditions will be supported to enter and stay in work, by devolving more power to local areas so they