In March 2025, Liz Kendall announced huge cuts and changes to the benefits system in the UK. According to the UK Government, we are looking at the collapse of the benefits system. But as time goes on, and more pressure is placed on central government to reconsider, I can’t help but worry about the potential impact on the most vulnerable people in society.
I am very open about my journey with the DWP. I have been through applying for both ESA (now Universal Credit) and PIP, and been to court about my PIP claim. I rely heavily on these benefits to be able to function as a working adult in the UK with disabilities. I share this because it’s important that those I work with understand why this is just as important to me as it is to them.
Disability Rights UK have noted the following key statistics:
- These cuts that they will need to vote on over the next few weeks are expected to lead to at least 3.8 million Disabled people losing crucial support, with some set to lose 60% of their income.
- The Universal Credit Health changes will be especially cruel at a time when half (50%) of those receiving the Health element are currently either unable to heat their homes, in debt, or cannot afford to eat properly.
- The most deprived constituencies will lose nearly three times the amount of the least deprived (£265 per working-age person on average compared to £96)
I have watched as most news outlets have challenged the validity of these cuts – left and right leaning providers have been calling on the government to reconsider. But they appear to be plowing on ahead without any real consideration of the impacts of these cuts.
There is ongoing anxiety for those currently in receipt of either of these benefits for both physical and mental health/neurodivergency. If you are finding that you are experiencing depression and/or anxiety around this issue, I specialise in working with disabled clients. You can find my fees here. I try to make my therapy financially accessible, and if you feel you might struggle to pay, please email me to discuss your options.
The full Universal Credit and Personal Independence Bill can be found here.
buddingtherapy.com 