Posted on March 20th 2025
Page last reviewed 20th March 2025
On 18th March, the government announced proposals to change parts of the benefits system, including Personal independence Payments (PIP), which many people with pulmonary hypertension rely on. We have put together this information to help you understand what has been proposed, what it means for people with long-term health conditions, and what happens next.
(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 foreither 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.
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 basic level of £393.45.
The government is proposing:
The basic payment level for UC will rise (reaching an increase of £775 a year by 2029-30). You do not need to have a health condition or disability to claim the basic 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.
The proposals are not guaranteed to happen, so cuts to disability benefits are not inevitable.
It takes time for changes to be implemented, so if they do happen, it will not be overnight. If the PIP reforms go ahead, they will not come into effect until November 2026, which at the time of writing (March 2025) is 18 months away.
The proposals have been outlined in a Green Paper – which is a consultation document produced when a government department is considering introducing reforms or a new law. The publication of the paper signals the start of a public discussion about the proposals.
As part of this open consultation, you can have your say and tell the government what you think about the plans.
Access the consultation documents and add your voice here (links to respond are found at the bottom of the page).
Here at the PHA UK we will do everything we can to help you understand the potential 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.
