The UK Government has confirmed new plans to reform disability benefits in England and Wales. This may impact many individuals and families living with TSC. Full details of the government’s plans are not yet available, but we have a good idea of some things already, and how they might affect the TSC community. But, it can be hard to know what’s relevant and what isn’t
Based on what we’ve been told by the UK Government so far, the most relevant information for the TSC community is:
- Proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rules intend to make it harder for some disabled people to qualify for the daily living component. As well as scoring the necessary number of points to qualify for PIP (8 points for the standard rate; 12 for the enhanced rate), you’ll need to score at least four points in any PIP daily living activity
- The government’s proposed changes to the PIP daily living component will start in from April 2026
- The changes to PIP will apply to existing claimants when they are reassessed, as well as to people claiming for the first time
- Losing entitlement to the PIP daily living component (if you don’t score at least four points in one area), will also have an impact on other benefits. For example, you may no longer be eligible for Carer’s Allowance or the carer element of Universal Credit
We know that the proposed changes to disability benefits may be worrying for you and your family. The TSA is working with likeminded organisations to make sure our concerns are heard by the UK Government. As and when we understand more about changes to PIP and other benefits, we’ll inform the TSC community.
You can read the government’s Pathways to Work Green Paper here. If you’ve any questions or need a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the TSA Support Line.
Please note: Proposed changes to PIP apply to England and Wales only
