DWP PIP benefit changes announced by government ahead of major shake up
As part of proposed changes to PIP, the government has introduced additional safeguards for the most vulnerable benefit recipients, which will be enshrined in law. However, the proposed reforms have been met with criticism, being labelled as "cruel" and "unjust".
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, set to be presented to Parliament, includes a 13-week financial safety net for claimants impacted by changes to the PIP daily living component, including those who risk losing Carers Allowance and the carer's element of Universal Credit.
According to the government, this temporary protection aims to provide individuals affected by the changes with time to adapt, access tailored employment support, and plan for their future following reassessment and the end of their entitlement.
Furthermore, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that over 200,000 individuals with severe, lifelong conditions will be exempt from future reassessments for Universal Credit entitlement. Those meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria, who are deemed unable to work, will not undergo reassessment and will receive the higher rate of UC health top-up, amounting to £97 per week, reports the Manchester Evening News.
However, as part of the Bill, the government is planning on cutting the health rate of new Universal Credit claims to £50 from April 2026.
It comes after Labour announced its major overhaul to the disability benefit in March, with proposed changes affecting the eligibility criteria of the benefit in a bid to cut down welfare spending. The changes are expected to take effect from November 2026, impacting both new and existing claimants.
It has not yet been confirmed how many will be affected by the cuts - however it is thought the changes to PIP will slash benefits for about 800,000 people.
In the coming weeks, legislation will also be drafted for a Right to Try Guarantee - meaning that trying work will not lead to a reassessment or award review of your benefit claim.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it.
"This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity.
"This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot - putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change."
National disability charity Sense has called the Bill "unjust" and "cruel" and has said it is extremely concerned about these proposed changes to disability benefits.
Research from the charity has revealed that half of disabled people with complex needs are already in debt due to benefit payments not going far enough.
Chief Executive James Watson-O'Neill said: "The government's proposed cuts to disability benefits will have devastating consequences for disabled people across the country - pushing thousands further into poverty, hardship, and isolation.
"Many disabled people already find themselves in debt because current benefits don't stretch far enough. Cutting support further at a time when the cost of living remains high is not only unjust - it is cruel.
"We urge MPs to listen to disabled people and reject this legislation. Our welfare system should support those who need it most - not abandon them.
"We're especially alarmed by plans to cut the Universal Credit uplift for those with the greatest barriers to work. Many of the disabled people and families we support have told us they're frightened - uncertain how they'll afford food, heating, or other basic needs without this vital support. This comes on top of worrying changes to PIP, which we've heard from many of our disabled staff and community helps them to stay in work."
James Taylor, Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope, called the bill 'catastrophic'. He said: "This bill will be catastrophic for disabled people.
"Cutting benefits will plunge hundreds of thousands into poverty. Over 800,000 will lose at least some financial support from PIP. It will have a devastating effect on disabled people's health, ability to live independently or work.
"A transition period will only temporarily delay a cut and disabled people will continue to be living with extra costs when it comes to an end.
"Life costs more if you are disabled, whether or not you are working. The government needs listen to disabled people and change course."
Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation, added: "This bill is a disaster for disabled people, and we urge MPs to reject this legislation in its current form. It will take vital financial support away from hundreds of thousands of disabled people, many of whom have mental health problems. Previous austerity measures worsened people's living conditions, undermined their mental health and increased the risk of suicide and premature deaths – and that's likely to be the case here too.
"These plans will not help the UK government reduce the number of disabled people out of work. Personal Independence Payment is also granted to disabled people who are in work to help them meet the cost of their disability – and removing this support will make it harder for them to remain in the workforce. The Office for Budget Responsibility has also said there is no robust analysis showing this will encourage anyone to return to the workforce. Given that, our view is that these cuts are counterproductive and cruel.
"A more effective alternative for the government would be to move forward with its progressive policies that encourage people to return to work, such as the Right to Try scheme and improvements to support in job centres, and evaluate how these help people return to the workforce. Cutting support for disabled people without knowing that is a recipe for disaster."
At Prime Minister's Questions earlier today, Angela Rayner said she knows some people are "fearful" of changes to Personal Independence Payments and carer's allowance, but that Labour will support those who need it.
Liberal Democrats deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "Liberal Democrat analysis of the Government's own data suggests that 1.3 million disabled people are at risk of losing some support. So can the Deputy Prime Minister honestly say, hand on heart, that this is a change that one million disabled people and their carers were promised?"
Ms Rayner responded: "Labour is the party of work, and also the party of fairness and social justice. We've announced a plan to get Britain working again, and we're clear on the principles and I want to be clear on that. Those who want to work should be able to work, and those who can never work should be protected...
"I know how some people are fearful of the changes, but this Labour Government put its values into place and will ensure that people are supported into work where they can and, where they can't, they are supported."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Western Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
DWP State Pension Pension Credit payment changes August 2025
August 25 2025 is a bank holiday where payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) won't be made. If you are due to receive a DWP benefit payment on either day, you may find you receive it early. When a payment date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, then the Department for Work and Pensions says the claimant is generally paid on the working day before. Most payments due on Monday August 25 2025 will instead be made early, with most arriving on Friday August 22. If your payment is due on a different day, it will arrive in your account as normal and the amount you are due to be paid will remain the same. These are the benefits that may be affected by the bank holiday weekend: Attendance Allowance Carer's Allowance Child Benefit Disability Living Allowance Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Jobseeker's Allowance Pension Credit Personal Independence Payment (PIP) State pension Tax Credits Universal Credit While you may be paid earlier in some cases, the money will also have to last you longer, as payment dates will return to normal afterwards. Which day is my State Pension paid? The basic State Pension is usually paid every 4 weeks into an account of your choice. If you want to change the account, tell the Pension Service. The day your pension is paid depends on your National Insurance number. 00 to 19 - Monday 20 to 39 - Tuesday 40 to 59 - Wednesday 60 to 79 - Thursday 80 to 99 - Friday How much basic State Pension you get depends on your National Insurance record. The full basic State Pension is now £176.45 per week. You may have to pay tax on your State Pension. Recommended reading: The DWP confirmed the early payment policy on its official website, stating: 'If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday, you'll usually be paid on the working day before.' While the amount being paid out will stay the same, experts are warning that the earlier date could throw off people's budgeting, especially as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. The two remaining bank holidays for 2025 fall on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Western Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
HMRC Child Benefit warning as families face losing £1,300
Last year, 870,000 parents extended their Child Benefit payments, with most applying on the HMRC app or the digital service, but this year it's estimated more than 214,000 eligible families are missing out on this vital support, with many unaware of the hidden perk that comes with it. Child Benefit automatically stops on 31 August after a child turns 16 unless parents confirm their teenager is staying in full-time education or approved training. The payment is worth £26.05 a week for the eldest or only child (£1,354.60 a year) and £17.25 a week for each additional child (£897 a year). Fiona Peake, Personal Finance Expert at Ocean Finance, explains: "Missing the renewal deadline means you're turning down free money your family is entitled to. For lower-income families already juggling bills, losing over £100 a month can mean cutting back on essentials or relying on credit to get by. 'The bigger, hidden cost is the loss of National Insurance credits that count towards your state pension. Missing just one year could mean losing around £342 a year in retirement income, and missing the full eligibility period could cost more than £4,000 a year. If you take time out of work to raise children and don't claim, you could be short-changing yourself by thousands in later life.' HMRC sent letters between May and July to remind parents to renew, but if they miss the deadline, payments will stop from September. 5 ways for parents to make the most of HMRC child benefits Renew early: "As soon as you know your child's plans after GCSEs, renew your claim. Use the HMRC app, go online at or scan the QR code on your letter," says Fiona. "Do not wait until the last week of August, you could lose out on September's payment.' Check your claim: "Even if you earn over £50,000 and repay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, still make the claim. You'll keep the National Insurance credits that count towards your pension, which could be worth thousands later on." Track deadlines: 'Put HMRC renewal dates in your phone calendar. This small step can protect over £1,300 a year for your first child plus pension credits.' Adjust if you missed it: "If payments have stopped, review your spending now so you don't turn to costly borrowing to cover essentials.' Get help for money worries: 'If losing Child Benefit has left you struggling, check if you're eligible for other benefits like Universal Credit or programs run through your local council. If you have other debts that run up your monthly expenses, debt consolidation could be an option.' Is your 16-19 year old planning to stay in education or training in September? Extend your Child Benefit claim now. Find out how 👇 — HMRC Press Office (@HMRCpressoffice) May 13, 2025 How much is Child Benefit? Child Benefit is currently worth £26.05 per week - or £1,354.60 a year - for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week - or £897 a year - for each additional child. More than 870,000 parents extended their Child Benefit claim for their teen last year with the majority confirming online or via the HMRC app in minutes. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, says: "Child Benefit is an important boost to families. As soon as you know what your teenager is planning to do, extend your claim in minutes to guarantee your payments continue in September. Simply go to or the HMRC app to confirm today." Child Benefit can continue to be paid for young people who are studying full time in non-advanced education as well as unpaid approved training courses. Visit the HMRC Child Benefit website to check full eligibility. Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, says: 'Child Benefit is really important for many households, particularly at a time when budgets are being stretched by the cost of living and energy. 'Our message to parents is not to delay, but to act now. Extending your child benefit claim is easy, and it could put thousands of pounds in your pocket. "Our free, impartial service at is here to help anyone who is confused about child benefit. People can visit or call 0800 756 3381 for support.' What about the High Income Child Benefit Charge? If either the claimant or their partner has an individual income of between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner will be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit they will receive, and what the charge may be. Recommended reading: From this summer, as part of the government's Plan for Change, families will have the option to use a new digital service to pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return. The new service will cut red tape for eligible employed parents who are liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge but those who choose to pay the charge through their Self Assessment can continue to do so. Families who have previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can opt back in and restart their payments quickly and easily online or via the HMRC app. There's also an HMRC reminder for the Child Trust Fund - don't miss out Teenagers turning 16 can take control of their HMRC Child Trust Fund savings account, which could be worth thousands of pounds, and can withdraw the money once they turn 18. Child Trust Funds were set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. If teenagers or their parents and guardians know who their Child Trust Fund provider is, they can contact them directly. If they don't know where their account is, they can use the free online tool on to find out who their Child Trust Fund provider is.
The Herald Scotland
6 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Widower continues tribunal claim against FOI Commissioner
Just weeks later, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She died in February 2025. One of her dying wishes was that her husband, Ian, push on with the case. The Commissioner's office is defending the claim. READ MORE The tribunal claim also raises wider concerns about who watches the watchdogs. The Commissioner is responsible for the "enforcement and promotion of Scotland's freedom of information laws", including "handling appeals about the way in which Scottish public authorities respond to information requests". Given the need to avoid political interference, the job comes with a certain degree of independence. But that means the postholder can only be removed by a supermajority in the Scottish Parliament. According to the claim, Helen enjoyed a good working relationship with the previous Commissioner, Daren Fitzhenry, but that changed after the appointment of David Hamilton, a former chair of the Scottish Police Federation, in October 2023. The tribunal papers submitted by Helen state that the relationship deteriorated rapidly. They go on to allege that at a January 2024 meeting, Mr Hamilton proposed an internal award called 'Margaret the Fox', named after a recently retired colleague, which Helen and two female colleagues found offensive due to 'the use of the word fox [having] negative connotations when referring to women". The Commissioner, in his legal defence, says the award was a tribute to a colleague's fondness for foxes and had been welcomed by the person in question. The claim also says she raised broader concerns about the 'introduction of a police culture', including staff feeling pressured to laugh at the Commissioner's jokes. The defence disputes that such concerns were raised in the way described. During a return-to-work call after a period of absence, the claim alleges Helen was told she was "being precious", "obsessing", and that "people do not like her". The Commissioner denies saying that people disliked her. In meetings, she was reportedly told she was "not agile", lacked a "can-do attitude", and had "failed in her job". One meeting allegedly ended with her being told to "be quiet" after raising financial concerns – an incident contested in the Commissioner's defence. On March 14, she emailed Mr Hamilton, stating: "All members of staff, including myself, should be treated with consideration, dignity and respect while at work. Your comments about me are incorrect and are having a detrimental effect on me. "You are not treating me fairly, with dignity or respect. I feel intimidated by you and discriminated against. The way you treat me, in person, in meetings and in writing, is unacceptable and also makes me feel belittled, anxious and not valued." She lodged a formal grievance five days later, citing "unreasonable treatment" and alleging discrimination, harassment and intimidation. She was then absent due to ill health. Helen submitted the claim in December. She died in February. (Image: agency) According to her claim, Mr Hamilton initially responded by saying a "bespoke arrangement" would be created to ensure an independent process was in place, but only upon her return to work. In March, he assigned another senior official, line-managed by him, to act as her main contact – despite Helen requesting someone else. The Commissioner disputes that the arrangements were inappropriate and later agreed to appoint an external independent investigator, contingent on confirmation of Helen's fitness to engage. In June, he reiterated that he would proceed with the grievance only once she confirmed she was medically fit. He added he had sought legal advice. Helen responded that her ill health had been caused by his conduct and she was willing and able to participate in the process. The claim alleges that on July 19, Mr Hamilton phoned Helen's trade union representative to suggest she was ignoring emails – something her tribunal documents say was untrue. The Commissioner says he simply asked for emails to be acknowledged. That same day, she was told her laptop and phone would be collected due to cyber-security protocols applying to staff absent for more than four months. Her legal team say she was also blocked from using pre-approved annual leave to extend her period of full pay, with leave cancelled three times in April, May and August. The Commissioner says she was paid in lieu and suffered no loss. In a letter dated August 13, Mr Hamilton wrote that "on conclusion of the internal grievance process, it is likely I will be investigating performance and disciplinary procedures". The letter provided no details of the alleged issues. Tribunal documents say Helen found this particularly upsetting and reiterated her request for the grievance to be investigated without delay. By October 21, Helen had still not been contacted by the promised investigator. She emailed Mr Hamilton again to say the delay was harming her health and that she felt she was being punished for lodging a grievance. He replied that same day, saying he had just returned to work and would respond after catching up. Helen resigned three days later. READ MORE In her resignation letter, she wrote: "It is now more than seven months since I submitted a formal grievance against you and you have refused to allow any of my grievances to be dealt with." She said his behaviour during her absence and while working had caused "enormous damage" to her health and left her with "no alternative but to resign". There is no suggestion of a link between the treatment Helen received and her cancer diagnosis. Before her resignation, she is understood to have been offered a financial settlement by the Commissioner, but it was rejected. Helen's lawyer, Tony McGrade, argues that the Commissioner's handling of the grievance process was "significantly below accepted standards". He told The Herald: "This case highlights the real dangers in there being no procedure in place to allow grievances against officials such as the Scottish Information Commissioner to be independently investigated. "This means that the person against whom an allegation of discrimination or unfair treatment is made decides whether that is investigated. This is simply wrong." Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, the Scottish Information Commissioner is a statutory officeholder appointed by the Scottish Parliament and operates independently of government. Unlike most public sector roles, the Commissioner is not accountable to ministers or civil service structures, and complaints about their conduct are not subject to routine oversight. Removal from office requires a formal resolution passed by two-thirds of MSPs – a deliberately high threshold designed to protect the role from political interference. That resolution can be triggered if the Parliament is satisfied the Commissioner has breached the terms and conditions of office, or if it determines that it has lost confidence in the Commissioner's willingness, suitability or ability to do the job. Helen's husband believes this has created an accountability gap, making it extremely difficult for staff to challenge the Commissioner's actions through normal employment procedures or for Parliament to intervene when serious concerns arise. It is understood the matter has been raised informally with Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, who confirmed the limited powers available to intervene in what is treated as an internal employment matter. Those close to the case say the aim of the legal action is not financial compensation, but accountability – though Mr Hamilton strongly contests the allegations. The Commissioner said it "fully intends to defend its position in the Employment Tribunal" but that it "would be entirely wrong to make any comment on the substance of the claim until the Tribunal has considered the full evidence and issued a judgment." "The Commissioner will accordingly respect that process, being of the view that this is covered by the law relating to contempt of court, and will be making no comment until the appropriate time."
