DWP overhaul to introduce '13-week rule' for Universal Credit and PIP - what you need to know

The legislation introduces significant changes to how disability benefits are distributed, with stricter eligibility criteria for new claimants.

Among the changes to Universal Credit and PIP include new assessment requirements and reduced payment rates for certain categories of claimants.

For Universal Credit, the Government will end reassessments for those classified as having severe conditions who will never be able to work.

These individuals will receive the higher rate of Universal Credit health top-up of £97 per week.

Furthermore, the DWP is introducing a "Right to Try Guarantee", ensuring that attempting to work will not trigger a reassessment.

However, the health element for new Universal Credit claims will be reduced from £97 to £50 from April.

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A new "13-week rule" is being implemented for those claiming PIP or Universal Credit, which will be a grace period for those impacted by the changes who are set to lose their payemnts.

PIP will face stricter eligibility requirements under the new legislation with claimants needing to achieve a minimum score of four on at least one of the daily living activities to receive the daily living element of the benefit.

As well as this, the Government is also considering delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until claimants reach age 22.

Any savings from this measure would be reinvested into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee programme.

Since the pandemic, PIP awards have more than doubled to 34,000 monthly, with approximately 1,000 people signing on each day. Officials report a surge in anxiety and depression being cited as the main condition for claims.

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Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it."

She added: "This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity."

As part of the welfare reforms, the Labour Government aims to get one million young people into work, education or training.

All those affected by the reforms will be contacted and offered conversations about their support needs, with access to dedicated Pathways to Work advisers.