Category: Uncategorised

Updated 27^th March 2025

In March, the government announced proposals to change parts of the benefits system, including Personal independence Payments (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC), which many people with pulmonary hypertension rely on. We have put together this information to help you understand the changes and what they mean for people with long-term health conditions.

Proposed changes to PIP

(Please note these changes are only for the daily living component of PIP. The mobility component will not be affected).

PIP is awarded by assessing how someone can manage in daily life with a physical or mental health condition. Applicants must answer a series of questions about tasks such as washing, dressing and preparing food, and each answer is scored points from zero (if someone experiences no difficulty with the task) up to 12 (severe difficulty).

As it stands, applicants must score a total of eight points across the questions to be awarded the standard rate of PIP (a total of 12 is required for the enhanced rate). However, the government says that from November 2026, applicants must score at least four points in at least one question to qualify for either rate.

The government is also proposing more frequent assessments for PIP for most people, but those with the most severe life-long illnesses and disabilities will no longer need regular assessments to keep the benefit. It is not yet clear which conditions will be included under this definition, but we will keep you informed as more details emerge.

Proposed changes to Universal Credit

As it stands, if you have limited capacity to work because of a long-term condition or disability, you can claim an additional £416.19 a month in Universal Credit (UC) – on top of the standard level of £393.45.

The government’s changes mean the ‘health element’ will reduce whist the ‘standard level’ will increase.

Changes to the health element of UC

Only those aged 22 or over will be able to access the health element of UC. Those aged 18-21 who live with disabilities or chronic health conditions will no longer be eligible for it and will only be able to claim the standard level.

If you are 22 or over and currently claiming the health element of UC, this will be frozen at the current rate of £97 a week until 2029/30.

For new claimants (claiming from April 2026) the health element will reduce to £50 a week and will then be frozen at this level until 2029/30.

When announcing the reforms to the health element of UC, the government said: “Those with the most severe, life-long health conditions, who have no prospect of improvement and will never be able to work, will see their incomes protected through an additional premium.”

It is not yet clear what this means, and whether it will include pulmonary hypertension, but we will bring you more information on what is referred to as the ‘Severe Disability Premium’ when we can.

Changes to the standard level of UC

From April 2026, the standard payment level for UC will rise above inflation for new and existing claimants. You do not need to have a health condition or disability to claim the standard level.

Some changes to other benefits have also been proposed as part of the reforms, and you can see them on this handy BBC at-a-glance guide.

Remember…

It takes time for reforms to be implemented, so changes will not take place overnight. It is likely (although not guaranteed) that most changes won’t come in until next year - 2026 - at the earliest.

A word of reassurance

Here at the PHA UK we will do everything we can to help you understand the reforms, fight for them to be reconsidered, and support you to get what you are entitled to – whatever changes may come in.

Disability groups and charities across the UK are united in their criticism of the proposals, and there has also been significant backlash within the Labour party itself. There are many, many people who are fighting your corner. You’re not on your own.

If hearing about the changes is making you feel anxious, it’s important to limit how much time you spend watching or reading the news or following the topic on social media. Remember to take your information from trusted sources only.