The Impact of DWP Welfare Reforms on Disabled Families and What You Need to Know

In recent weeks, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced major reforms that will change the face of the UK’s welfare system as we know it. While the government claims these changes aim to simplify access to benefits and encourage employment, many families, particularly those caring for disabled children and adults, are left fearing what the future holds.

What’s Changing?

1. Scrapping of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA): The WCA is currently used to assess whether someone is too ill or disabled to work. The government plans to scrap this entirely and instead rely more heavily on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as a marker for disability support. The concern? PIP is already notoriously hard to qualify for, and new proposals suggest the criteria may get even tougher.

2. Stricter Eligibility for PIP: According to government data, 370,000 current PIP claimants could lose their entitlement, with another 430,000 potentially denied future support under tightened rules. That could mean an average loss of £4,500 per year per family. For those already stretched thin by the rising cost of living, this is devastating.

3. Changes to Universal Credit: The standard Universal Credit allowance is set to increase incrementally over the next five years, with some above-inflation rises. But for families losing access to disability benefits, these increases may not go far enough.

4. Real-Time Benefits Reporting for Employers: From April 2026, employers will need to report benefits-in-kind (like company cars or medical cover) in real-time through payroll. This might simplify things for businesses, but offers little relief or clarity for struggling families.

What Does This Mean for Disabled Families?

These reforms have sent a clear message: disability support is under review, and the net is tightening. For parents already navigating the chaos of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) systems, delayed EHCPs, underfunded schools, and long CAMHS waiting lists, the welfare system was often a final lifeline. Now even that is uncertain.

Families caring for children with complex needs are often unable to work full-time or at all due to their responsibilities. The DWP’s shift towards a more employment-focused model appears to overlook the reality of what it takes to care for a high-needs child 24/7.

So, What Can You Do?

1. Stay Informed: Follow trusted advocacy groups like AskEllie.co.uk, Disability Rights UK, and Scope for updates and guidance.
2. Speak Up: The government is still in a consultation phase for some of these proposals. Now is the time to write to your MP, respond to public consultations, and share your story.
3. Seek Support: If you’re worried about changes to your benefits, organisations like Citizens Advice and local welfare rights groups can help you understand your rights and options.
4. Join the Movement: At AskEllie, we’re gathering voices from across the UK to bring real stories to Parliament. If you’re affected by these reforms, submit your experience through our website. Your voice matters more than ever.

Final Thoughts

Our grandparents fought after WWII for a welfare system that protected the vulnerable and gave families a safety net. We must now ask: are we watching those protections unravel?

Families with disabled children are not asking for luxuries. We’re asking for fairness, dignity, and the ability to give our children the care they need without falling into poverty. If these reforms go ahead unchecked, that future is at risk.

The time to act is now.

Visit www.askellie.co.uk to learn more and get involved.