“Pip acknowledges, to some extent, that there isn’t a level playing field,” stated Lisa Hammond, the EastEnders actor and advocate for disability rights.

The north London native is among many supporters of a campaign that calls on the government to halt the planned modifications to Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

Deaf and disabled individuals are imploring the prime minister through an open letter to adopt an alternative strategy, following the Department for Work and Pensions’ announcement of what it termed the largest overhaul aimed at “rebalancing” the welfare system.

The government’s suggested reforms include alterations to the eligibility criteria for PIP, which advocates warn would be “disastrous” for those in greatest need of assistance.

More than 140 public figures, including activists Liz Carr and Jack Thorne, have endorsed the open letter released on Tuesday.

Samantha Baines, a comedian, actor, and author known for her advocacy for hearing loss, has also signed the letter.

Originally from Southwark, Ms. Baines expressed to the BBC, “This is an enormous issue. Thousands of families will be pushed into poverty or deeper into it due to this. For each pound cut from PIP, local authorities will face an additional £1.50 in costs. The UN has regarded this as a violation of human rights.”

Ms. Hammond remarked, “We are not individuals taking advantage of benefits; we are people striving to survive and live our lives.”

The government’s welfare system proposals consist of reintroducing assessments for individuals capable of working, revising PIP eligibility criteria, adjusting payment levels in Universal Credit, and postponing access to the health component of Universal Credit until claimants reach 22 years of age.

The campaign Taking the PIP warned that if these plans proceed, “700,000 families already experiencing poverty will encounter further calamity.”

Ms. Hammond shared with the BBC, “The government’s discourse focuses on getting disabled individuals back to work; however, PIP is not about employment; it is meant to assist with living expenses.”

If the proposed changes take effect, claimants would need to achieve a minimum of four points in a single daily living task to qualify for PIP.

Lee Healey, a benefits expert with over 30 years of experience working with disabled individuals, commented that this proposed system is more likely to push disabled people into poverty rather than help them find work.

Mr. Healey told the BBC, “While it may not seem significant at first, this approach subtly diminishes support for individuals.”

He emphasized that the government must first create work environments conducive to the success of disabled individuals.

“A cultural shift is essential. Compassion and respect can enormously impact the lives of disabled people. They are not merely statistics; they are human beings,” he said.

The government asserted that it believes these modifications will end “years of inaction” regarding the one in eight individuals currently outside of work or education.

It also noted that the number of people receiving PIP has surged to an “unsustainable” level, having more than doubled since the pandemic.

A government spokesperson stated, “We are committed to supporting individuals across the country by fighting poverty and generating secure, well-paid employment. PIP is part of our support for disabled individuals and those with long-term health conditions. However, it is essential to recalibrate the system to ensure that assistance is directed towards those who require it most.”

Nonetheless, the campaign’s signatories argue that the intended cuts will hinder disabled individuals from making contributions to society.

Ms. Baines remarked, “In the long term, this will cost us more money and greatly impact individuals’ lives and their dignity.”