Changes to disability benefits
In March 2025, the government announced plans to change the eligibility criteria and assessment processes for Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance. We know this is worrying for many people with Parkinson's. Below is the most up-to-date information on the changes.
Why is the government reforming these benefits?
The government says they're making changes to benefits for working-age people with disabilities because the number of working-age people receiving health and disability benefits has grown considerably since 2019.
The government wants to cut the number of people on them, and the cost of providing them.
What's happened so far?
After the government announced they wanted to make changes in March 2025, they faced opposition to their proposals from MPs, charities (including Parkinson's UK), people with disabilities and many others.
As a result, the government has changed their proposals several times.
What's the situation as of July 2025?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The government originally intended to change the PIP assessment criteria and process, with a view to reducing the number of people who are eligible for the benefit.
However, in July 2025, they decided to wait for the results of a review of PIP before going ahead with any changes. This will be led by Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, and should finish by autumn 2026.
So the earliest any changes will happen (if they do happen at all) is late 2026.
Read our information about PIP.
Universal Credit
In July 2025, parliament voted to lower the extra amount most new Universal Credit claimants get if their ability to work is limited by a health condition or disability to £50 a week (from £97 a week). This will begin in April 2026.
Current claimants whose ability to work is limited by a health condition or disability will continue to get an extra £97 week, and this will rise in line with inflation. The government had originally intended to freeze the amount at £97 until 2029/30.
The government is also planning to change the Universal Credit assessment process from April 2029.
Read our information about Universal Credit.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
The government is consulting on merging ESA with Jobseeker's Allowance to make a new 'unemployment insurance' benefit, paid for a limited time, and removing the assessment process.
There is no timeline for this change to be implemented (if it does go ahead at all).
What can I do if I'm worried?
If you have any questions or concerns at all, our helpline and specially trained advisers can talk through your situation and give you information on these changes. Get in touch with our helpline.
I'm in Scotland. Will these changes affect me?
Universal Credit and ESA are UK-wide benefits, so the changes above apply to people in Scotland, as well as in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced PIP in Scotland, although it has similar rules and criteria. The Scottish government hasn't announced any plans to make reforms to ADP.
Campaign against these changes
Parkinson's UK is campaigning to stop these benefits reforms and for a fairer welfare system for people with Parkinson's. We need your help.