Government updates to Welfare Benefits -July 25

The Government have made an updated amendment to their planned Welfare Benefit changes which they announced on the 1st July. In light of these amendments the below information details the current understanding of the changes.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) & Universal Credit (UC)

The Government has announced there will be no change to PIP rules until it has had time to consider the review's conclusions in full.

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Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) and Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

Under consultation to reform contribution based JSA and ESA, with a new time limited unemployment insurance expected in 2028/29. This will be paid at the rate of ESA with an expectation to actively seek work, with allowances for those with work limiting health conditions.

‘Right to Try’ work is to be introduced in 2026/27 without losing benefits. Those claiming are able to try to return to work which will not trigger a review of PIP or reassessment

Access to work - increase additional support, to work with employers to make workplaces accessible.  This is under consultation but is expected to continue as a DWP programme.

Benefits for young people - Youth Guarantee Claimants – will be unable to access the health element of Universal Credit (UC) until someone is 22 years old. The consultation will consider raising the age at which young people move from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children to PIP from age 16 to 18.

Get in touch

We're here if you are concerned about how this effects you, or would like more information regarding the changes to welfare benefits for those with health conditions.

Simply fill in our Services Contact Form or call our Helpline on 0800 093 8543 and one of the team will be in touch.

All advice is free and fully confidential. 

The helpline is open 9am – 4.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Open 10am – 4.30pm on Wednesday. Excludes bank holidays.