Latest news with #DisabilityRightsUK
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Hundreds of thousands of Universal Credit claimants to lose nearly £100 a week in Government overhaul
Plus, find out how much Universal Credit you can get NO BENEFIT Hundreds of thousands of Universal Credit claimants to lose nearly £100 a week in Government overhaul HUNDREDS of thousands of people on Universal Credit are set to lose almost £100 per week under Government plans. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) previously announced plans to scrap the health component of Universal Credit for under-22s. 1 The Department for Work and Pensions has announced sweeping benefits changes Credit: EPA At the moment, the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element for Universal Credit is applied to most adults aged between 16 to 21 if they're struggling to stay employed due to health issues. But charity Disability Rights UK is now saying the Government plans will affect almost 110,000 disabled adults. It says they will lose nearly £100 a week if the changes come into effect. That equates to almost £400 a month, or £4,800 over the course of a year. The charity says the move will mostly impact disabled young people who are described as NEET - 'Not in Education, Employment or Training' - and are having difficulties getting into the job market. But it will also affect young people who are in work but are in low-paid or part-time jobs and are using Universal Credit to top up their earnings. Disability Rights UK says on its website: "The proposed policy will not just impact young disabled people who are NEET, but also many young disabled people who are in education. "Despite barriers to students claiming UC, it is often possible for those in non-advanced education who have passed the August after their 19th birthday to successfully claim UC as an adult. "Under the current system, low-income families with a disabled 19-year-old already have to contend with a drop in income of at least £29.25 per week when their child stops being treated as a dependent and starts claiming UC in their own right. "However, under the Government's proposal, young disabled people aged under 22 would only receive £73 rather than £170 per week, meaning a much greater drop in household income." I'm on Universal Credit & I don't know how to survive - I even lost £600 because my husband decided to get a job, it's just impossible The Government unveiled a huge benefits shake-up earlier this year as part of plans to save about £5billion a year in welfare payments. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the current system is failing millions with one in 10 working-age Brits now on sickness or disability benefits. She said spending on disability benefits has spiralled by £20billion since the pandemic and pledged to fix the 'broken' system with a reform package. Part of the Government's plans include getting people back into work while protecting the most vulnerable. Research suggests removing access to the health element of Universal Credit for under-22s will not impact 73% of 16 to 24-year-old Brits who fall into the NEET category. How much Universal Credit can you get? TRYING to work out how much Universal Credit you can get can be overwhelming. There are so many different elements that can affect your claim and it makes the whole process even more complicated. There are several free calculators that you can use to help you get an estimate, such as Citizen's Advice, MoneySavingExpert, StepChange and Turn2Us. You will need: Details of all your income, such as existing benefits, tax credits, earnings from employment and your pensions, Details of your partner's income if you're married, in a civil partnership or living with someone as a couple. You will be assessed as a couple Information on any savings you have, How much you pay in council tax per year, and whether you get any discounts, reductions or exemptions, Details of your rent or mortgage payments, Employment and income information about anyone else living with you, such as grown-up children, Details about your carer's allowance if you receive it. You'll need to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible to get the truest estimate. What other benefits changes have been announced? The Government's proposed benefits shake-up will see a number of changes come into effect. One that has gained lots of attention is a crackdown on eligibility, particularly for those claiming the main disability benefit Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The number of claimants is expected to double by 2030, with the biggest rise among young people and those with mental health conditions. But from 2026, new claimants will need to score at least four points in one category to qualify as part of a plan to curb the rapid rise in payouts. These are some of the other changes planned:
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Hundreds of thousands of Universal Credit claimants to lose nearly £100 a week in Government overhaul
HUNDREDS of thousands of people on Universal Credit are set to lose almost £100 per week under Government plans. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) previously announced plans to scrap the health component of Universal Credit for under-22s. 1 At the moment, the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element for Universal Credit is applied to most adults aged between 16 to 21 if they're struggling to stay employed due to health issues. But charity Disability Rights UK is now saying the Government plans will affect almost 110,000 disabled adults. It says they will lose nearly £100 a week if the changes come into effect. That equates to almost £400 a month, or £4,800 over the course of a year. The charity says the move will mostly impact disabled young people who are described as NEET - 'Not in Education, Employment or Training' - and are having difficulties getting into the job market. But it will also affect young people who are in work but are in low-paid or part-time jobs and are using Universal Credit to top up their earnings. Disability Rights UK says on its website: "The proposed policy will not just impact young disabled people who are NEET, but also many young disabled people who are in education. "Despite barriers to students claiming UC, it is often possible for those in non-advanced education who have passed the August after their 19th birthday to successfully claim UC as an adult. "Under the current system, low-income families with a disabled 19-year-old already have to contend with a drop in income of at least £29.25 per week when their child stops being treated as a dependent and starts claiming UC in their own right. "However, under the Government's proposal, young disabled people aged under 22 would only receive £73 rather than £170 per week, meaning a much greater drop in household income." I'm on Universal Credit & I don't know how to survive - I even lost £600 because my husband decided to get a job, it's just impossible The Government unveiled a huge benefits shake-up earlier this year as part of plans to save about £5billion a year in welfare payments. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the current system is failing millions with one in 10 working-age Brits now on sickness or disability benefits. She said spending on disability benefits has spiralled by £20billion since the pandemic and pledged to fix the 'broken' system with a reform package. Part of the Government's plans include getting people back into work while protecting the most vulnerable. Research suggests removing access to the health element of Universal Credit for under-22s will not impact 73% of 16 to 24-year-old Brits who fall into the NEET category. How much Universal Credit can you get? TRYING to work out how much Universal Credit you can get can be overwhelming. There are so many different elements that can affect your claim and it makes the whole process even more complicated. There are several free calculators that you can use to help you get an estimate, such as Citizen's Advice, MoneySavingExpert, StepChange and Turn2Us. You will need: Details of all your income, such as existing benefits, tax credits, earnings from employment and your pensions, Details of your partner's income if you're married, in a civil partnership or living with someone as a couple. You will be assessed as a couple Information on any savings you have, How much you pay in council tax per year, and whether you get any discounts, reductions or exemptions, Details of your rent or mortgage payments, Employment and income information about anyone else living with you, such as grown-up children, Details about your carer's allowance if you receive it. You'll need to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible to get the truest estimate. What other benefits changes have been announced? The Government's proposed benefits shake-up will see a number of changes come into effect. One that has gained lots of attention is a crackdown on eligibility, particularly for those claiming the main disability benefit Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The number of claimants is expected to double by 2030, with the biggest rise among young people and those with mental health conditions. But from 2026, new claimants will need to score at least four points in one category to qualify as part of a plan to curb the rapid rise in payouts. These are some of the other changes planned:
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I use my PIP payment to live and work, I'm terrified of the DWP taking it away
When news broke in March that the government planned to overhaul the benefits system, a knot of anxiety settled in my stomach — and it hasn't eased since. At first, I tried to ignore the headlines. However, with the first stage of the review now underway, the worry remains constant. Under the current proposals, I'd be among more than a million people at risk of losing disability support through the personal independence payment (PIP), despite being disabled and working full time. PIP is a non-means-tested benefit awarded based on how your condition affects your ability to carry out daily activities — things like showering, preparing food, or using the toilet. It's not about your diagnosis, but how that diagnosis affects your ability to function safely, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time during these tasks. For me, PIP has been a lifeline, enabling me to stay in work - and I don't have a plan B if it's taken away. If you think disability is a remote issue then bear in mind 16 million people in the UK are currently living with disability. I live with Cerebral Palsy (CP), the most common motor disability in childhood. It's a lifelong condition that makes standing for long periods, cooking, cleaning, or even washing my hair unaided extremely difficult. And after a year-long, draining assessment process, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) agreed in 2023 that I qualified for PIP. So why, when I tick every box — lifelong disability, working full-time, already assessed — should I now potentially lose this support? Because under the new rules, you need to score four points in one 'Daily Living' activity to qualify. Even though I went through an exhausting battle to prove my eligibility, I only scored three points in a single activity. The proposed criteria essentially now say that unless you require direct assistance or supervision to do these activities, many of us who still need help risk being excluded entirely. Proving I needed support was gruelling. It took six weeks of gathering letters, a 3,000-word application detailing my condition, logging a diary of daily challenges, and chasing multiple physiotherapists who could back up what I said. Proving I needed support was gruelling. It took six weeks of gathering letters, a 3,000-word application detailing my condition, logging a diary of daily challenges, and chasing multiple physiotherapists who could back up what I said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer McShane (@ One of the most challenging parts — even before applying — was knowing where to find accurate information. I didn't know what evidence was enough. Did I need everything, or just certain documents? I scoured websites like Disability Rights UK, a charity, which set me on the right path. There are plenty of support groups on Facebook or Reddit that discuss benefits, but it's too easy to get lost in misinformation on general forums. I wasted about three weeks chasing my GP for something Scope UK eventually advised wouldn't be necessary and it delayed my application by a month. Once I submitted, after another six-month wait, it was the assessment. This part was brutal — I was grilled for over an hour on the phone by a nurse who, as far as I could tell, had no real understanding of my condition. In my experience these assessments have never been in person which would enable them to see the full extent of my disability. I was frustrated; it felt rushed, like the assessor was just ticking boxes rather than trying to understand the full picture of my daily challenges. Even when I was finally awarded PIP, what stayed with me wasn't relief — it was the humiliation and vulnerability that came with the whole process. It's hard to describe the shame that comes with explaining to a random, if well-intended, medical professional, the very personal reasons why I need help putting on clothing, why I find it hard to cut up food or why baths are out of the question (though I promise I do shower!). The whole PIP process was exhausting and infantilising, and one I had hoped not to repeat, at least so soon, if the new changes go through. The whole PIP process was exhausting and infantilising, and one I had hoped not to repeat, at least so soon, if the new changes go through. I'm fortunate to be able to work as and when I can - and thereby contribute to the Government through income tax - but even then, PIP isn't a luxury. As is the case for many disabled people, my outgoings are significantly high. It's what's known as The Disability Tax, or Disability Price Tag, and it means spending more on goods and services just to maintain the same quality of life as a non-disabled person. My PIP helps cover essentials: clean bedding, taxis, a housekeeper, private physio (wait-lists via the NHS are painfully long), meals when fatigue overwhelms. To be clear, fatigue to me is that I can barely move not that I'm just 'a little tired'. For context, if I am feeling fine it will still take me three times as long as a non-disabled person to get dressed. To give you an example, last month alone, I spent: £368 on taxis to get from A to B (the hot weather drains me of energy) £127 on groceries (delivered, of course) £250 eating in or out (I'm appalled at this figure in particular, though yes, the Deliveroo drivers practically know me on a first-name basis). This is because most days, with working and living alone, I'm just too tired to cook £150 for a private physio appointment £152 (£38 a week) for a cleaner £120 (£30 a week) at the hairdressers because I can't wash and dry my hair £40 on dry cleaning (I can't wash or dry bedding myself) That's well over what I receive from PIP each month — and it doesn't include rent, bills, or anything non-essential. My wages go towards those. I'm not using PIP for anything but to live. The idea of losing it — not because my needs have changed, but because the system might — is terrifying. I'm not using PIP for anything but to live. The idea of losing it — not because my needs have changed, but because the system might — is terrifying. I know I can cut down the food bill, but everything else generally has the same price tag a month (or higher). So much depends on my CP — on the day, the week, and how much energy or fatigue I'm dealing with. PIP is also a vital support that can keep everything going if I need, for example, to reduce hours. Losing PIP wouldn't make me less disabled, it would just make life harder. And like so many others, I'm not asking for anything more than the right to live with dignity and support. That shouldn't be up for debate. PIP isn't the only disability benefit under the microscope at the moment. The government also announced potential changes to Universal Credit (UC) and the Work Capability Assessment. Regardless of which might apply to you, it's an uncertain time for millions around the UK. But just to remind you: Nothing has happened yet. You can only do what you can — whether that's gathering all your medical documents, speaking to your MP, or sharing your story. Your health condition is valid, and you were awarded PIP for a reason. Alex, a helpline adviser at disability equality charity Scope UK, agreed it is a stressful time for everyone potentially affected: "At Scope, we regularly hear from disabled people who are applying for benefits and are finding the process very stressful and anxiety-inducing." Scope offers this advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed: Try grounding yourself with self-care. "Self-care is important, distracting yourself by journaling, reading, meditating or crocheting can be therapeutic." Channel anxiety into action. "You may find it helpful to channel that anxiety into action by writing to your MP, joining the Scope forum or getting involved in local campaigning groups. The news can be both positive and negative,' Alex said. "Sometimes it's better to step back when it's not helpful." If you're currently applying for PIP and worried about returning the form on time, you can call the DWP and ask for an extension — just be prepared to explain why you need more time. "Don't leave it all to the last minute," Alex advised. "Break the process into smaller, manageable chunks — and get support if you can. Friends, family, or organisations like Scope can help. If it's affecting your mental health, speak to your GP or contact a charity like Mind. If you need urgent support, you can contact NHS 111." Read more on benefit cuts: Who will miss out on PIP under Labour's reforms? The new DWP assessment explained (Yahoo News, 5-min read) What Labour's universal credit changes mean for your benefits payments (Yahoo News, 6-min read) Major PIP and universal credit benefits changes confirmed by DWP - what you missed (Yahoo News, 8-min read)
The Guardian
18-03-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Tanni Grey-Thompson among disability campaigners criticising ‘brutal' benefit cuts
Toxic rhetoric around benefit cuts has stirred up hatred against disabled people, Tanni Grey-Thompson has said, as campaigners warned the government's planned welfare changes were 'brutal and reckless'. Lady Grey-Thompson, a Paralympic champion and crossbench peer, said she had been contacted by disabled people saying they had been shouted at in the street by passersby telling them they were 'going to get their benefits cut'. 'There's some really horrible rhetoric around at the moment,' she said. 'It's not a great time for disabled people. And the worry is that this doesn't do the right things to get people into work. It's whether it could push people who are currently just about surviving into greater poverty or more need.' The TV presenter and disability advocate Sophie Morgan, who is paraplegic, said she saw no justification for the cuts and said the 'scapegoating of disabled people is not only toxic, it could be really fatal'. 'If history has taught us anything, these cuts will have the opposite effect of what the government seems to think they will have. It will push people out of work, it will cause more poverty,' she said. 'I don't think there's a single disabled person in the UK who won't be affected by this. But I think everyone should be worried – if the government can treat people with the highest needs in our community this way, what else could they possibly do? It's a very worrying question.' She added: 'There is this terrible misconception that disabled people just take, but actually by taking from us, you prevent us from being able to give – we want to be able to participate in life equally the same as anyone else, and that includes going to work.' The work and pensions secretary, Liz Kendall, on Tuesday announced benefit changes including tightening the eligibility rules for personal independence payments (Pip) and reviewing the assessment process, as well as cuts to health-related universal credit. Charities and disability advocate groups criticised the approach, saying the changes would 'drive more disabled people into poverty'. Mikey Erhardt, a campaigner at Disability Rights UK, said: 'After months of rumours, media speculation and spin, it is clear these reforms were not about supporting disabled people into work, but instead simply about making brutal and reckless cuts amounting to £5bn. 'Rising claims for Pip reflect not a problem with disabled people but rather reflect successive governments' failure to do even the bare minimum to create a more equitable society.' Paul Kissack, the chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: 'A government that came to office pledging to end the moral scar of food bank use clearly should not be taking steps that could leave disabled people at greater risk of needing to use one.' He said 'enormous cuts' risked undermining some of the positive reforms announced by the government, such as the 'right to try guarantee' to help people back into work. The disabled activist Dermot Devlin said he was almost in tears as he watched Kendall's speech in the House of Commons on TV. 'I had to turn it off because it was too much. The fact that they were putting it across as good news when in fact anyone who is disabled knows it's anything but good news, it's absolutely devastating for our community,' he said. 'I don't know if it will affect me, but we don't know what the parameters are yet. It might not affect me now but it could next year. I'm just a bit lost for words.' Devlin, who has mucopolysaccharidosis type IV, also known as morquio syndrome, said he relied on Pip to help him cover the costs of the powered vehicle he uses to get around, and the mask he wears to help with his breathing while he sleeps. 'Public opinion is getting nasty towards disabled people. But Pip is needed for survival,' he said. 'You take Pip away and it's just going to push so many disabled people, including myself, deeper and deeper into poverty. 'I've never felt more pushed away from being a member of society.'
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Chancellor urged not to make PIP cuts that could plunge 700,000 households into poverty
More than a dozen charities have warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves against cutting disability benefits as part of welfare reform, saying it would have a "catastrophic impact". In an open letter, organisations including Disability Rights UK, Citizens Advice, Scope, and Sense urged Reeves to "safeguard" the benefits in her upcoming spring statement. They argued that any cuts would push hundreds of thousands of disabled households into poverty, rather than achieving the government's goal of increased employment. The charities said that cutting disability benefits would not incentivise work, and instead advocated for improved support systems to help disabled people find suitable employment. Reeves is set to deliver her spring statement on March 26. It is expected to include news that spending will be cut to offset rising borrowing costs and sluggish economic growth. Welfare reform is expected to be a target area for potential savings. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has highlighted the significant number of people out of work due to ill health – 2.8 million – and the fact that one in eight young people are not in education, training, or employment. The financial burden of sickness and disability benefits for working-age individuals has increased by £20 billion since the pandemic, with projections estimating it will reach £70 billion over the next five years. Ms Kendall has said an upcoming Health and Disability Green Paper will set out plans to support those who can work back into jobs, rather than write them off. But in their letter to the Chancellor, the charities – also including the MS Society, mental health charity Mind, food bank organisation Trussell and Parkinson's UK – urged Ms Reeves to 'think again about cuts to disability benefits'. They said: 'We agree with the Government's ambition to support more disabled people into work. However, making cuts to disability benefits will not achieve this goal or fix the system. 'In fact, there is little evidence to suggest cutting benefits increases employment outcomes. We know the benefits system is broken and needs reform. 'That there are disabled people out of work who want to work given the right support. And for some disabled people, work isn't appropriate. Changes to welfare must start here. Not with cuts.' They said an analysis of official figures by Scope suggested a further 700,000 disabled households 'could be pushed into poverty' without Personal Independence Payments (PIP). They said this 'can be a lifeline for disabled households' and can enable people to work. The charities said the Government 'has an opportunity to work with disabled people and the sector to bring about meaningful change' and warned that their voices must be heard, adding: 'Disabled people should not be an afterthought.' A Government spokesperson said: 'We have been clear that the current welfare system is broken and needs reform, to support long-term sick and disabled people into work so they can live more independent lives, and puts the benefits bill on more sustainable footing for the taxpayer. 'Without reform, more people will be locked out of jobs, despite many wanting to work. That is not just bad for the economy, it's bad for people, too. 'We have a duty to get the welfare bill on a more sustainable path and we will achieve that through meaningful, principled reforms rather than arbitrary cuts to spending. That's why as part of our Plan for Change, we will bring forward our proposals for reform shortly that will unlock work and help us reach our ambition of an 80 per cent employment rate.'
