Benefit claimants have been given payments for conditions including acne and writer’s cramp, new figures have shown.
The latest data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed a total of 13 people were given "enhanced mobility" Personal Independence Payment (PIP) of around £77 per week for the two conditions in April.
Of this total, five people received payments for having acne and eight for writer’s cramp, which typically affects wrists, hands and arms according to the NHS.
PIP is handed to people to help with extra living costs if they have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability or if they have difficulty doing certain tasks.
The latest figures from the Department for Work & Pensions shows 13 people were given 'enhanced mobility' PIP for acne and writer's cramp
PA
It comes as MPs have been debating the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill in Parliament since lunchtime today, with a vote expected later this evening.
The reforms aim to overhaul what Labour describes as a "broken" system inherited from the Conservatives.
The Prime Minister announced a U-turn on some of his benefits reforms last week after more than 120 Labour MPs threatened to vote against the proposals.
Sir Keir Starmer offered concessions including limiting cuts to personal independent payment ahead of today's vote.
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PIP is handed to people to help with extra living costs if they have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability or if they have difficulty doing certain tasks
GETTY
Under the revised bill, eligibility restrictions will apply to new claimants from November 2026.
The restrictions will mean claimants are required to score at least four point in one daily living assessment category.
This represents a major shift from current rules where points can be accumulated across multiple categories.
The Government said it had "listened to the MPs who support the principle of reform but are worried about the pace of change for those already supported by the social security system".
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has however assured existing PIP recipients they would remain protected.
Kendall wrote: "We recognise the proposed changes have been a source of uncertainty and anxiety.
"Therefore, we will ensure that all of those currently receiving PIP will stay within the current system.
"The new eligibility requirements will be implemented from November 2026 for new claims only."
MPs will vote on the benefits bill after 7pm.
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