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New Welfare Bill Tightens PIP Eligibility and Guarantees 13-Week Transition

PIP eligibility thresholds will rise, Universal Credit health payments will be cut; a 13-week support period will be introduced

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Labour MPs join photo-call to protest against benefit cuts. Image: David Mirzoeff/Disability Rights UK
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Overview

  • The Welfare Reform Bill was introduced to Parliament in June and is set to take effect from November 2026 with tighter disability and sickness benefit rules.
  • Claimants will need to score at least four points in one daily living activity to qualify for the PIP daily living allowance.
  • New Universal Credit claims will see the health component reduced to £50 per week from April 2026 to help deliver £5 billion in annual savings.
  • Existing PIP recipients who lose eligibility will receive three months of payments and more than 200,000 people with severe lifelong conditions will be exempt from reassessment.
  • Over 100 Labour MPs are reportedly prepared to vote against the reforms despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s determination to push the bill through.