Millions of disabled people in the UK could lose essential financial support as MPs push forward major changes to disability benefits, despite the government backing down on some proposals after pressure from its own MPs.
The reforms, which will start in late 2026 and continue through 2029–30, aim to cut billions from the welfare budget.
“Life costs an enormous amount more when you’re disabled,” Executive Director of Strategy at Scope, James Taylor said. “People rely on PIP to cover the essentials they need to survive.”
There are around 16 million disabled people in the UK, with approximately 3 million relying on PIP to help cover essential costs, such as specialist healthcare equipment, mobility aids, personal assistance, and higher household running costs.
Cuts like these are part of the government’s savings strategy and are estimated to remove around £4.7–£5 billion from disability assistance by 2029–30.
The changes will include the new requirement to reach at least four points in an individual task to obtain the everyday living component. Analysts say the changes could leave thousands without support.
Disability charities like Scope say that extra costs can reach hundreds of pounds per month. The government aims to save £2 billion over the next five years. Professionals warn the move could make life difficult for disabled people.
Members of Parliament voted to push forward the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which includes contentious changes to disability benefits. The second reading passed by 335 votes to 260. About forty-nine Labour MPs defied party lines to reject the bill, together with independents.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the reforms were designed to make the welfare system “fairer and sustainable.” She argued that the current framework “incentivises people to define themselves as incapable of work.”
Disability rights organisations have cautioned that changes to PIP and the health care component of Universal Credit could push 150,000 people into poverty.
What’s changing and what’s not:
Ministers confirmed that some PIP reforms will not go ahead after pressure from MPs. However, stricter rules will apply to new claimants from late 2026, and the Universal Credit health element will be reduced for future recipients.
Charities such as Disability Rights UK and Leonard Cheshire strongly oppose these plans, calling them “unfair” and warning they will make life harder for people already struggling.
Sarah Thompson, a wheelchair user from Manchester, said:
“If these cuts go ahead, I don’t know how I’ll afford the equipment I need to live independently.”
The National Disability Charity Sense, in its 2025 Welfare Reform Report, said nearly 23% of people with disabilities fear they will no longer be able to cover essentials such as energy and food.
The adjustments primarily involve Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the removal of the Limited Capability for Work or Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit.
The changes have raised concerns among disability organisations, carers and families, who are urging MPs to consult those directly affected before the next parliamentary stage. Many disabled people say they feel anxious about how the reforms could affect their ability to live independently and with dignity.