Proposed reductions to disability benefits

Many people will have heard about the government’s announcement on 18th March about changes to some benefits. The government says it wants to save money and get more people into work. There are plans to make it harder to claim Personal Independence Payment and to reduce the amount of Universal Credit for people with health problems and also for younger people.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP is a benefit if you need extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition. You can make a claim whether or not you get help from anyone. You don’t need to have worked or paid National Insurance to qualify for PIP, and it doesn’t matter what your income is, if you have any savings or if you’re working.
From 2026 the government are planning to tighten up the rules on claiming PIP, potentially resulting in reduced payments for many. It will become harder to qualify for the ‘daily living component’ of PIP, which starts at £72.65 a week. There will be no changes for people with more serious health conditions and also no changes to the ‘mobility component’ of PIP.

Universal Credit (UC)

UC is a payment to help with your living costs (including rent) and is paid monthly. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work, or unable to work due to an illness or disability. The ‘incapacity element’ in UC will be frozen until 2029/30. Also, those aged under 22 will no longer be able to claim this element under the new proposals.