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“It Doesn’t Make Sense”: New Data Shows Low PIP Fraud, But Disabled People Still Face Cuts
Written by
Sammi Leaver
Published on
May 15, 2025
Despite new Government figures revealing just a 1% overpayment rate for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), disabled people across the UK are still bracing for severe welfare cuts — and many are speaking out.
This week, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published updated statistics showing a 3.3% overall fraud and error rate in the benefit system for the 2024–2025 financial year. For PIP specifically, the data reveals that just 1 in 100 claims were overpaid — the exact same rate as last year.
So why are hundreds of thousands of disabled people still being hit by looming cuts?
Cuts Despite Consistency
The Government has announced that up to 800,000 people could lose access to or see a reduction in their PIP, as eligibility rules tighten in the name of efficiency. Yet this comes at a time when overpayment rates haven’t increased, and many recipients are using PIP for survival.
At Purpl, we ran a survey earlier this year with over 4,600 disabled respondents. An overwhelming 89% said they spend their PIP on living essentials — things like rent, heating, mobility aids, travel for hospital appointments or work, and healthcare. The remaining 11% used it for practical support like help from a carer or cleaner.
These aren’t discretionary purchases — they’re costs of staying alive.
Real Lives. Real Impact.
Georgina Colman, disability advocate and founder of Purpl, said:
“It doesn’t make sense. The fact that there was no increase in PIP overpayments between 2024 and 2025 shows how misdirected these cuts are.
It’s clear that the majority of people claiming PIP genuinely need it, and reducing these lifelines could leave people even worse off.”
Purpl member Caroline Coleman, who has stage 4 cancer, shared how losing PIP could devastate her daily life:
“I was medically retired at 47 and lost over two-thirds of my income overnight. My PIP contributes to things like petrol to get to my hospital appointments and the sky-high heating bills because I’m always cold now. I’m portrayed as a workshy scrounger — but I paid taxes for nearly 30 years.
I don’t have time left, and I don’t need the added stress of being treated like a statistic. These cuts feel cruel. They’re targeting the lowest hanging fruit instead of going after the real tax dodgers.”
Meanwhile, for people like Andy Tomo, PIP is the only reason he can continue working:
“Without PIP, I wouldn’t be able to travel to work or afford the medical aids I need. Ironically, if they take it away, I’ll be forced onto full-time benefits. The Government says it wants to help disabled people back into work — but cutting PIP could do the exact opposite.”
Support Beyond Benefits
While Government support may be under threat, disabled people still need to live, and save where they can. That’s where Purpl steps in.
Georgina added:
“I created Purpl to help people like me cut the cost of everyday essentials. But discounts alone can’t fix a broken system. We need better policy and real support so disabled people aren’t forced to choose between heating and eating.”
Purpl members can save money on big brands like Morrisons, Hoover, SKY, Snappy Shopper, and hundreds more — plus access advice and support for navigating life with a disability.
Want to save on everyday essentials?
Join Purpl today and discover discounts built with disabled people in mind.
