We can’t give 1:1 or emergency support for people in a crisis. If this is what you need right now, you can find ways to access it on our website.
I need urgent helpThe government has announced changes to the welfare system. One of these changes is to tighten the criteria to qualify for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), one of the key disability benefits.
We know these changes will impact many in our community, so we've put together some answers to questions you might have.
These answers are not exhaustive but we hope they help members to understand what is happening and where to get support.
What is changing to PIP?
From 2026, the scoring of PIP assessments will change.
There will be more frequent assessments for people claiming PIP, including assessments being recorded.
Investing an additional £1bn a year for employment support by 2029/30.
What is changing to universal credit?
Work Capability Assessment to be stopped in 2028.
The number of people who claim limited capability for work will be reduced.
The amount of Universal Credit received by people whose health affects their ability to work will be reduced.
You can see more detailed information on the Gov website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/biggest-shake-up-to-welfare-system-in-a-generation-to-get-britain-working.
I'm worried about losing money
These changes are not coming into effect until 2026, so they will not affect your payments now. If you need support with money and living now, please see our pages on money and mental health: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/money-and-mental-health/.
I'm really scared about how this will impact people with disabilities
We know that these changes are worrying to many of our members. You're not alone.
Here is a list of services that can offer some further information:
Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Scope: https://www.scope.org.uk/
Disability benefits helpline: https://www.gov.uk/disability-benefits-helpline
Mental Health and Money Advice: https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/
What does Mind think about this?
The CEO of Mind, Dr Sarah Hughes said:
"Mental health problems are not a choice - but it is a political choice to make it harder for people to access the support they need to live with dignity and independence. These reforms will only serve to deepen the nation’s mental health crisis.
"While the increased investment in employment support will go some way in helping the many people with mental health problems who can and want to work, this risks being undermined by a short-sighted approach - slashing people’s benefits at the same time.
"Benefits like Personal Independence Payment are a lifeline, helping people with a mental health problem to enter and remain in work. Without this support, people risk being plunged in poverty and seeing a deterioration in their health, which will ultimately lead to more people falling into unemployment.
"We have an opportunity to truly transform people’s experiences of employment. This requires having a benefits system that provides a robust safety net that truly supports people into good, sustainable work, while also supporting those who are simply not well enough to work. Today’s announcement does the opposite and we urge the Government to rethink these plans."
A little extra support
If you're struggling and need to talk to someone our emotional support line is available on 0300 102 1234.
To talk more specifically about your benefits, you can speak to our Welfare Benefits Line on 0300 222 5782. They are both open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm.