The Universal Credit Bill becomes law. Here are the changes to disability benefits you need to know

onebigvoice

Thank you for that link, which I have read. I already have access to the White Paper, not only through Scope but through the Union Groups and that the White paper is not a new thing.

I do get a bit bemused when I see quotes of the White paper which are sometime open ended, since a history lesson might resolve some issues and already has.

Professor Harrington's reports were written many years ago, and were not 10 or 20 pages they were 1200+ page documents to the government, when the word "reform" or the "need for change" were used. What did the government do with them? after 3 yearly reports it took a London Tribunal to write the 2014 Social Security Act to get any thing done on paper. Other people have written the White paper, (every Year) including the Grayling Report, the Green Report, Dr Mike Orton, even IDS had a go but then resigned the day before he was to appear in court to be held accountable for his actions, along with Hunt.

So going forward, why are the same questions being asked about Disability Benefits and access, and benefit payments for long term sick, being included in the White Paper, yet the Green Paper that comes out is not the negociated version, but the "think Tank" version of the document.

I do not remember negociating anything since the first question we have is lets have a consultation, on what we would like included? From the above parts are already to be installed as law? So where was the compromise? We don't want the WCA abolished, we want it completed by people who are qualified to assess my mobility or return to work with help, but proper help.

I have proved this can happen so why can't they apply this every where. Or is it because of the accountability thing, where they were told to do it that way so they do.

ACCOUNTABILITY these days means exactly that in company law. (CANDOUR) So how are agreements allowed to be changed unless the main contractor were aware. (Because they hired them)

geckobat

Looks like not one of Labour even voted for the regret motion? The threats worked well on them didn't they… assuming I understood this right.

Socrates63

Hi all.

I wish I had a better understanding of politics, but I actually watched a lot of the lord's episode yesterday on TV about u. c. and I couldn't help but think it was a lesson for about hours of everyone praising each other and stating what wonderful and enduring politicians they each and everyone of them are, interspersed with the very occasional points of uc which was the reason they were there in the 1st place! What on earth was it all about? is this what we spend our money on? to give them people a voice? and what do they do with that privelage? absolutely nowt from where I was sitting. I got the distinct feeling starmer and his toadies have deflected a whole nation.this is an exercise in manipulating a whole group of people, make it look like he's the good guy by conceding nothing, but making it look like loads he's conceded, thereby gaining everything he intended to get before he started this debacle. typical right wing manoeuvre if I'm not mistaken. that's my rant for today, I'm going to sit back now for next few hours and watch my fingernails grow. Ta very much for listening.

Nashota

I have a bit of a concern with regards to them tying the payments to diagnosis because even though I have had a lot of conditions diagnosed, I also have a lot that aren't, this is because as my health conditions became worse, I found it harder to ask for help and not only that, the last medical centre that I was registered with were less than helpful so I would get fobbed off a lot which in turn didn't help me.

My other concern is the substantial risk rule, I was moved to ESA SG under that rule and it would be cruel to tighten it, remove it or whatever else they are thinking about doing with it.

I have written to my local MP with a list of concerns. I did forget to mention carers though, my son is my carer, I'd be lost without him.

geckobat

All I can see during all of this is that they mean to make it as difficult and as brutal as possible, no matter what.

The hate campaign in the media is also despicable but it always has been.

Nashota

I'm not grand at reading (cognitive issues), would is she saying?

bellatango

Catherine, if you want to forward me the email I can do a scrolling picture for you?

I'll message you my address.

abdul1969

Wibbles

I have heard from my Lib Dem MP !

Thank you for contacting me about the Government’s proposed welfare reforms.The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill 2024–25 returned to the House of Commons for its Third Reading on 9 July 2025. I voted against the Bill. Sadly, despite widespread concern, the Bill has now passed.

I continue to believe this legislation threatens to harm the very people our welfare system is meant to protect. The Government should not have needed a major backbench rebellion to recognise what was clear from the outset: these cuts risk causing real hardship to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Worse still, by pushing some individuals out of work instead of helping them into it, this policy could end up costing more in the long run, thus creating a false economy at the expense of people's dignity and security.

Even now, MPs have still not been given a proper impact assessment. Those directly affected were not meaningfully consulted. This is no way to approach such a vital part of public policy. Welfare reform should be thoughtful, evidence-based, and built on cross-party consensus, with the aim of helping people into work while supporting our health and care systems.If the Government were serious about reducing welfare costs, it would also be serious about tackling the root causes of rising need, particularly the crisis in our NHS and social care, which is driving chronic ill health and forcing more people out of the workforce.

Carers, too, have been shamefully overlooked throughout this process. Their voices must be central to any future proposals. Ministers must ensure that the Timms Review listens to carers and the organisations that support them, to understand the real-world impact of these changes, not only on families, but on the NHS and social care services.The Liberal Democrats continue to believe there is a better way.We want to make it easier for disabled people to access work—by raising awareness of the Access to Work scheme and making it faster and simpler to use. We are committed to closing the disability employment gap through targeted strategies and specialist support.We are also calling on ministers to take serious, practical steps to reduce the welfare bill by:

• Ending the crisis in the NHS and social care starting by completing the long-promised social care review by the end of 2025.
• Tackling health problems early through greater investment in public health and primary care—ensuring everyone can see a GP within seven days.
• Helping disabled people reduce their living costs through free insulation and heat pumps for low-income households, and a fair social tariff to lower energy bills.
• Guaranteeing disabled people the right to work from home if they choose to—unless there are significant business reasons why this is not possible.
• Working with employers to build a more inclusive workplace for disabled and ill people, building on Charlie Mayfield’s upcoming review.
• Supporting carers to balance paid work with caring responsibilities, by introducing a fairer earnings taper to end the punitive Carer’s Allowance cliff edge.

The Government must now rethink its approach. That starts with scrapping this flawed Bill and going back to the drawing board. I will continue to speak out and vote against measures that undermine our welfare system and the people who rely on it.

Thank you again for getting in touch. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.

Tumilty

Bit the bullet and started filling my migration form in.

Bit panicky as read something I didn't know.

mrsBB

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1051927#Comment_1051927

Catherine, I hope for you and many others it doesn't bless you. What a blooming shambles this all is, all shrouded in secrecy and behind closed doors, so called ''transparency''= ****. This whole thing has become an outright, underhanded attack on the most vulnerable, a true mess, and I still firmly believe we are being lied to around the ''future v current'' situation.

mrsBB

It would seem that way alexroda.

mrsBB

Catherine, all we can do is wait now and see how this all unfolds. I am trying so hard to believe things will get better but its very difficult, I understand your anxiety and feel for you and everyone involved. Maybe try and see if you can do something you like doing, even if its eating a big slice of cake or slurping a nice milkshake☺️anything to distract you for a few mins, you have been a real trooper Catherine but even troupers need a little break as hard as it is, sending you a big hug 🤗

Socrates63

Hi Catherine 21.

I have read all mails in this discussion and have asked you a question or 2 before now. Far be it from me to teach grandma to suck eggs etc, so I hope you take it in good faith what I suggest. right now, take time out, take a deep breath and chill. they are the people who have power. not us. all we can do is look after ourselves, so that we can carry on fighting the sods who wish us ill. if need be ignore your phone for 1 day, the problem will still be their when you get back to it. one day isn't asking too much for yourself is it?

Take care of yourself

Socrates.

tealhoneydew16

@Catherine21 your a great person on this site and always cheer peeps up…..

I don't think I have interacted with you, I have saw a few of your posts and wanted to say thank you for all your help with the other comments although, you seem to be struggling yourself…, from afar, although I've not interacted with you, your a great soul, and it shows, thank you! May I send you virtual hugs, and I really hope you get somewhere soon, I'm sure you will , it's the waiting that's worse, and not knowing, I hope you get sorted soon.., just wanted to say thank you!

YogiBear

@Catherine21

AI Overview

Is ESA contribution based legacy benefit ending?

Answer

AI OverviewYes, "income-related" Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), a legacy benefit, is being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit. However, "New Style" or contribution-based ESA, which is based on National Insurance contributions, is not ending and can still be claimed alongside or separately from Universal Credit. 

YogiBear

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1051908#Comment_1051908

Also some claimants won't be entitled to UC and will lose everything.

YogiBear

@Catherine21

ESA, both contribution-based (New Style ESA) and income-related, is being moved to Universal Credit (UC) through a "managed migration" process. While New Style ESA will continue to exist alongside UC, income-related ESA is being replaced by UC. Claimants of income-related ESA, or income-related ESA with Housing Benefit, will need to claim UC. Here's a breakdown:

• Contribution-based ESA (New Style ESA):This is not being replaced and will continue to exist alongside UC. You can even get it at the same time as UC, though it may affect your UC payment. 
• Income-related ESA:This is being replaced by UC. If you are receiving income-related ESA or income-related ESA with Housing Benefit, you will be asked to claim UC as part of the "managed migration". 
• Managed Migration:The DWP is sending out "migration notices" to those receiving income-related ESA, informing them that they need to claim UC. The process is ongoing, with the aim of completing the migration by a certain date. 
• Test and Learn:The DWP is also conducting a "test and learn" phase, where a smaller number of claimants are being asked to move to UC to inform the process. 
• ESA with Housing Benefit:If you are receiving income-related ESA with Housing Benefit, you will also need to claim UC to replace those payments. 
• Northern Ireland:While this information focuses on England, Scotland, and Wales, the process may differ in Northern Ireland. 

You will receive a migration notice if you need to move to UC. It will clearly state that it's a migration notice and will give you a specific date by which you need to claim. 

YogiBear

For your information.

Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Socrates63

Hi all,

upon reading yogi bears mail or post or whatever one calls it I can vouch for what he says concerning my personal experience of the dwp this and I'll quote figures(figures being my personal monies received before and after the migration).

late March migration letter received. I was in receipt of £320.55 every fortnight, for income received esa in the support group with housing benefit going in full to the landlord. That £320 was mine to live on pay bills etc, etc. Then the dreaded letter…I had interview with dwp. Long story short, my income related esa was being dropped. They gave me phone number to ring esa Dept as they work independently of each other. (these are the tactics they used). Work independently my ****! anyway, I was then moved to the contribution based esa(which they also call new style esa). at same time I was placed on u.c. Two different benefits at same time. soo…my esa dropped from £320 fortnight to £281 a fortnight. a drop of £39? But because I now receive u.c. I get £107 a fortnight also. which means altogether means I'm better off. in both instances I was and still in receipt of housing benefit.

My one worry originally was the use of names, meaning income related and contribution based. it was my assumption that c.b.only lasted 1year,apparently I am wrong. according to the esa department who I rang.apparantly new style esa is different to the old style ir and cb benefit. hope that makes sense. Socrates 63.