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The High Court ruled that the central government has not been paying disability correctly to as many as 1.6 million people who may be psychological distressed. As a result of this, the Department for Work and Pensions will be assessing over 1.6 million claimants of the benefit known as PIP (personal independence payments), and it is estimated that as many as 225,000 UK residents may get additional money as the result of this review.

Most of the issue has to do with individuals that have a mental health issue. The high court ruling said that group may have been discriminated against, in particular those with a physiological distress such as anxiety, fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, or some other mental illness. While it is now know exactly how many people will receive additional financial help from the PIP welfare benefit, the court as well as DWP estimate it may be between 200,000 to 250,000. There may be billions of pounds paid out once the review is finished.

Financial impact of high court ruling for the disabled with mental health issues

PIP is the new welfare benefit that replaced the disability living allowance. It provides funds to the disabled whether they are employed or not; any financial aid is not depending on having a job. It pays for both mobility and everyday bills. There are also other financial schemes for the disabled too, in addition to this benefit.

As a result of the court ruling, dozens if not hundreds of staff members from the Department for Work and Pensions will be reviewing past applications from claimants. There may also be partnerships of professionals from Atos and Capita. The process may take years to complete, so claimants of the DLA or PIP may not see any additional money for a long time.

If it is discovered that the application should have been approved for PIP, or some other form of enhanced welfare payments, then funds will be issued. Not only will the disabled person get more money going forward, but the financial assistance paid out will also be backdated to the date of the original claim The funds will cover everything from mobility needs to daily expenses, which may be electric bills, housing, food, and more.

The additional money from personal independence payment will go a long way toward helping anyone who is psychological distressed. Many disabled people may have limited employment opportunities due to being bipolar or having another condition. So they may be living in poverty or threatened with other financial hardships. The additional funds from the disabled benefit, both going forward and for past bills, will make a big difference.

The review process will be pro-active. All of the estimated 1.6 millio claimants will be reviewed for additional payments. No one needs to write in to the DWP to request a review. If their claim needs to be adjusted, or if they are to receive additional financial aid, then the Department for Work and Pensions will notify them. But the process will take months if not years to complete, and the High Court did not place a timetable on this.