How could the proposed changes to benefits affect you?
Posted: Friday 28 March 2025
The Government has launched a public consultation on major changes to health and disability benefits, as well as employment support.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has outlined potential reforms in a green paper, which could impact Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit, and Employment Support Allowance. The Government is seeking feedback from the public before making any final decisions.
In recent weeks, these proposed changes to health and disability benefits have dominated headlines, sparking widespread discussion. But what exactly are these changes, and how might they affect you?
What are the proposed changes?
Stricter rules for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP provides financial support to people with disabilities based on how their condition affects their ability to complete daily activities and move around. Currently, to qualify for PIP’s daily living component, people must score points by showing how their condition affects them in different areas, like preparing food, personal care. There are no changes to the mobility component. The more areas they need help with, in each component, the more points they can earn.
Under the new rules, instead of earning points across multiple activities, people will need to score at least four points in just one activity within the daily living component to qualify. This means that if someone struggles in many areas but doesn't score highly enough in any one of them, they might find it harder to qualify for support.
For people with sight loss, who may face challenges in many areas of daily life, this could make it harder for them to get the support they need.
Universal Credit adjustments
The Government plans to increase the basic amount of Universal Credit by £7 per week starting in 2026. However, for new claimants, the amount of money given for extra health support will decrease.
Currently, people receive £97 per week for health-related support, but new claimants will only get £50 per week. While the increase in the basic amount is a positive change, the reduction in health support could make it harder for people with disabilities to pay for essential living expenses, such as food, bills, and other necessities.
Removal of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA)
From 2028, the Work Capability Assessment (which assesses if someone is fit for work) will be scrapped. Instead, PIP assessments will determine financial support. If PIP rules become stricter, some people with sight loss may struggle to access benefits they need.
Investment in employment support
The Government is investing £1 billion into employment support for disabled people. While this is welcome, there are calls for further action to remove workplace barriers for blind and partially sighted people.
How to have your say?
The consultation will last for three months, allowing the public, including blind and partially sighted individuals, to provide feedback.
No changes will happen before 2026, and some will require Parliamentary approval before they can be implemented.
Read the full proposals at the Government website before the consultation deadline. If you use assistive technology, you can request accessible formats by emailing accessible.formats@dwp.gov.uk
Help with benefits
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support from the government. Welfare benefits are available to help those living with macular disease, and their families, with extra costs.