The UK Government has introduced a new bill that proposes changes to disability benefits, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). According to the government, the aim is to reduce spending and encourage more disabled people into work.
However, Cardiomyopathy UK and many others are concerned, as these changes could make life harder for people with long-term health conditions and disabilities. These proposed changes could impact independence, financial security, and mental wellbeing.
What Are the Key Changes?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- It will become more difficult to qualify for the Daily Living component.
- You will still need 8 points to be eligible, but at least 4 must come from the same activity (such as preparing food, managing treatments, or handling money).
- If you don’t meet the new criteria at reassessment, your payments will stop after 13 weeks.
Universal Credit (UC)
- The standard allowance will increase slightly above inflation until 2030.
- However, the disability related element will be frozen, meaning it won’t rise with inflation.
- From 2026, new claimants will receive £217 per month in disability related Universal Credit which is half the current amount of £423.
- The higher rate of £423 per month will only be available to those with a lifelong condition that will not improve and who have an NHS diagnosis.
Carers’ Benefits
If the person you care for loses PIP, your Carer’s Allowance or carer’s universal credit payments will end after 13 weeks.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income based ESA (including disability related elements) will be frozen, so it will not increase with the cost of living.
- New style ESA will remain unchanged.
What Could This Mean for People with Cardiomyopathy?
- Fewer people may qualify for PIP, especially if their symptoms span across different activities rather than being concentrated in one.
- Carers could lose their financial support if the person they care for no longer qualifies for PIP.
- People newly applying for Universal Credit may receive less financial support unless they meet much stricter eligibility rules.
Because disability related benefits will not rise with inflation, support may not keep up with the cost of living.
Need Advice and Support?
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Get in touch with our free benefits and welfare advisor to understand how these changes may affect you.
Email: services@cardiomyopathy.org
Call: 01494 791224