We know that disability benefits have been in the news recently and we want to reassure claimants and applicants that none of these changes will be immediate, and you will be notified of any changes effecting your benefits.
What’s happening right now?
The Government has announced that £5bn will be cut from disability welfare, leaving many extremely worried about how they will be affected. Whilst we are deeply concerned about the potential impact of these changes, we want to make it clear that no changes are happening right now.
Here’s what we know so far:
The Government has published a Green Paper – a proposal for future changes – which outlines plans for extensive cuts and changes to disability benefits. The consultation phase alone is expected to run until 30 June 2025 and the proposals will need to be debated in Parliament.
Proposed future changes (most likely from 2026 onwards):
Changes to PIP assessments
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are a benefit paid to people with disabilities or long-term health conditions who need extra help with daily living or mobility. The following changes have been proposed:
- Additional eligibility requirements for the Daily Living component of PIP.
- Individuals with severe, life-long health conditions will not be reassessed in the future and the initial PIP assessment requirement will be reduced for individuals with very severe conditions.
Phasing out the Work Capability Assessment (WCA)
The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to be phased out by 2028
Changes to Universal Credit (UC)
An above-inflation increase to the UC standard allowance, with additional premiums for those with the most severe, life-long health conditions.
Changes to the Health Element of UC:
The value of the health element for existing UC claimants will be frozen until 2029/2030 and reduced for new claimants.
People aged under 22 will no longer have access to the health element of UC.
Claimants receiving the health element will be expected to engage more actively in working pathways.
Introduction of ‘Unemployment Insurance’
A new time-limited unemployment insurance benefit will be introduced in 2028/2029, replacing Contributory Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance.
This will be paid at a higher rate and will have expectations for active job-seeking, though with flexibility for those with work-limiting health conditions.
Introduction of the ‘Right to Try’ Principle
Work will not trigger a reassessment for individuals.
Investment in employment health and skills support
£1 billion investment per year by 2029/2030 for personalised employment health and skills support for individuals with work-limiting health conditions or disabilities.
These are some very scary changes – especially at a time when we know many are struggling to afford essentials amidst the cost-of-living crises. However, we want to reassure you that nothing is changing right now. These proposals have not yet been voted on in Parliament, and even if they are approved, we don’t expect any changes to come into effect before 2026 at the earliest.
We’re deeply concerned by the direction of these proposals and join the Citizens Advice network in urging the government to run a full consultation on all proposed changes to health and disability benefits and to scrap plans that would cut disability payments.
We hope this guide is helpful to you. If you’re feeling worried or have any questions, please see our FAQs below or visit our get advice page to reach out for support. If or when these changes do take effect, Citizens Advice North Somerset will be here for you.
You can read the official response from Citizens Advice here.
FAQs
I am currently applying for PIP; will my application be affected?
No, not at the moment.
Proposed changes set out in the disability green paper will not affect current PIP applications (as these changes have not yet come into effect).
Is the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) stopping?
The WCA is scheduled to be abolished by 2028, currently it is still in place.
Do I need to contact the DWP/the Jobcentre about these changes?
No, you do not need to do anything right now. If this changes you will be notified.
Where can I find more information about welfare benefits?
Visit our benefits page to find out more information.