Cuts in Disability Funding: What’s Changing and Where to Find Support

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The UK government is introducing major changes to disability benefits, changes that could affect nearly a million people across the country. While some initial proposals have been reversed after public backlash, cuts that could severely impact the lives of people living with a wide variety of disabilities are still planned to be implemented in the coming future. This has left many with questions such as, what’s happening? Who will be affected? And where to find support if you or someone you care for is impacted.

What Are the Cuts That Were Originally Proposed?

On March 18^th, the government announced a series of reforms that will reduce financial support for disabled people over the next few years. These were the most significant:

1. PIP Eligibility Tightened (From November 2026)

Under the new rules, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applicants must score at least 4 points in a single activity (such as cooking, dressing, or washing) to qualify for the daily living component. Previously, points could be combined across different tasks.

2. Universal Credit (UC) Health Element Reduced (From April 2026)

Currently, disabled people can receive an additional £97 per week through Universal Credit. That amount will remain for existing claimants, but new claimants after April 2026 will receive only £50 per week—creating a two-tier system based solely on application date.

3. Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to Be Scrapped (By 2028)

The WCA, which currently determines eligibility for additional UC support, is set to be abolished. Instead, eligibility will be based solely on PIP awards.

Have the Plans Changed Since the Announcement?

After months of protests, media campaigns, and mounting political pressure including a major rebellion by over 120 Labour MPs, the government was forced to backtrack on some of its most controversial disability benefit reforms. All proposed changes to PIP (Personal Independence Payment) eligibility have been scrapped. However, this does not prevent similar cuts being introduced in future.

Instead of going ahead with the planned restrictions, the government has announced a full review of the PIP system. This review will be co-produced with disabled people and charities, giving those most affected a real voice in shaping what comes next. It’s set to report back in autumn 2026, meaning no changes to the current PIP system will happen until at least late 2026 or 2027.

Who Will Be Affected?

Even after the government’s U-turn on 1 July, which scrapped the most controversial changes to PIP, millions of disabled people in the UK will still be affected by welfare cuts. Whilst this reversal has protected up to 800,000 people from losing support, the cuts to Universal Credit’s health element remain firmly in place. Around 2.25 million current claimants will see their payments frozen, meaning their benefits will not rise with inflation and will gradually lose value, costing them approximately £500 per year.

Worse still, an estimated 730,000 future claimants, that is, anyone applying after April 2026 due to disability or long-term illness, will receive around £3,000 less per year than those on the current rate. This creates a two-tier system where newly disabled people receive less support simply based on when they apply.

In total, these changes are expected to impact over 3 million households, with the poorest regions and the most vulnerable communities, especially those with long term mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, or fluctuating disabilities, being hit hardest.

How to Adapt: Sources of Help and Support

If you’re affected by these changes, there are still avenues for financial, practical, and emotional support:

Statutory Support

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)– Available in limited cases for those not on UC.
Council Tax Reduction– Offered by local councils for eligible disabled residents.
Discretionary Housing Payments– Help cover housing costs for people on Housing Benefit or UC.

Charities and Community Organisations

Turn2Us– Offers a benefits calculator and access to hardship grants.
Citizens Advice– Supports with appeals, budgeting, and emergency assistance.
Scope, Disability Rights UK, Mind– Provide legal advice, advocacy, and mental health support.

Work and Skills Programmes

The government has pledged £1 billion per year to help disabled people into employment.

Final Thoughts

These reforms represent a major change in the way disability support is provided. Although some existing protections remain, and the most damaging reforms have been reversed, with measures put in place to prevent such drastic changes affecting disadvantaged communities in future. the new policies will still lead to reduced assistance those affected by disabilities in future, with little awareness to the damage caused by rising inflation.

Being informed, seeking early advice, engaging with community resources, and watching out for those in our communities that are at risk can help affected individuals navigate these changes more effectively.