Labour proposes strict eligibility criteria for disabled individuals' benefits

In the UK, Labour has introduced a new welfare bill impacting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants presented ahead of a significant vote. This legislation outlines stricter eligibility requirements, whereby applicants will be assessed based on a revised points-scoring system, making it harder to qualify for the daily living component of PIP. Starting from November 2026, claimants will need to score a minimum of four points in a single activity, instead of being able to aggregate points across multiple activities. As a consequence, it is estimated that approximately 1.5 million current claimants will no longer meet the new criteria, raising concerns about the livelihoods of these individuals. The Office for Budget Responsibility has provided further insights, indicating a potential reduction in the number of affected individuals to around 800,000 due to behavioral adaptations. A significant backlash has emerged from charities, advocacy groups, and members of Parliament, highlighting the potentially adverse effects these changes could have on disabled individuals relying on this financial support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assures that those who lose their entitlement will benefit from a generous protection plan that will prevent immediate payment cessation but will instead lead to gradual reductions over 13 weeks, including those affected by Carer's Allowance. This protection is described by the DWP as one of the most generous provisions in recent times, yet the changes have sparked intense debate about the future of welfare for disabled individuals and the priorities of government spending.