The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing mounting pressure from disability rights campaigners over proposals to strip the health element of Universal Credit from claimants under 25 and overhaul Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for working-age recipients.
Rick Burgess, Chair of Amnesty International UK’s Disabled People’s Human Rights Network, said the plans would send a message to disabled young people that “they matter less to society”. He warned that cutting support rather than providing equal access to welfare would “harm their health and push more people into poverty”.
Proposals under consideration
According to reports, the Labour government is considering ending access to the Universal Credit health element for under-25s, replacing it with intensive employment support. Officials are also examining a new system to replace PIP, with one option being a separate regime for claimants under 25, although those with the most severe disabilities would not lose any money.
Broader plans for the PIP replacement include new eligibility criteria and assessments for the extra costs of disability. Officials are debating whether this would apply to all working-age claimants or only those below a cut-off point such as 50 or 60. Again, those with the most severe conditions would not lose money or be reassessed.
Experts urge equal treatment
Experts have urged the DWP to treat Universal Credit and PIP claimants the same, arguing that disability “does not discriminate” based on age, and neither should the welfare department, despite the rising bill. Burgess echoed this, stating: “Disability does not discriminate based on age; nor should the welfare system. A wheelchair, specialist equipment, transport or social care still costs the same whether you are 20 or 60.”
He added: “Young disabled people deserve a social security system that respects their human rights and dignity equally.”
Motability cuts also mooted
In addition, officials have reportedly returned to the idea of cuts to the Motability scheme at a future Budget. The scheme helps disabled people use their benefits to lease vehicles, and any reduction could affect thousands of claimants.
The DWP has not yet confirmed any final decisions. The proposals remain under discussion, with campaigners calling for the department to abandon the age-based cuts and ensure equal access to welfare for all disabled people regardless of age.
