Full Breakdown
Reform UK’s Plan to Overhaul Disability Benefits and Universal Credit
8/16/2026, 3:07:44 AM
Proposed Welfare Overhaul
Reform UK intends to abolish Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit for working-age adults. The party would replace cash payments for low-level conditions with locally administered “disability support accounts” that cover transport, equipment and personal assistance. A new, regularly-reviewed “health security allowance” would be limited to the “gravely ill and severely challenged.” Employers could be required to purchase a “return-to-work cover” insurance to fund the first two years after an employee is signed off sick.
Key Elements and Numbers
- Current figures: 6.9 million people receive disability benefits; 3.7 million claim PIP (the benefit is not linked to savings or income).
- Jenrick estimates that after the proposed assessments, 2.16 million claimants would keep their full cash entitlement, while 2.89 million would see payments modified or withdrawn.
- Reform claims the reforms would cut £50 billion from the welfare bill, “more than double” the £23 billion savings pledged by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. The party also projects at least £1 billion of annual savings from the package.
Official Statements & Responses
- Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms released an interim report labeling PIP “not fit for purpose” and calling for a fundamental change.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will not pretend this is painless,” — Robert Jenrick, reform’s treasury spokesperson
- “We are not lifting people out of misfortune. We are abandoning them to it, and calling it kindness.” — Mr Jenrick, reform’s treasury spokesperson
