'How will I live after benefit reforms?'

People receiving disability payments have described proposed sweeping reforms as "terrifying", as the government looks to encourage people back into work.

The changes, announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, will make it harder for people with less severe conditions to claim disability payments.

The proposals have triggered backlash both regionally and nationally from affected individuals and charities.

Julia Sealey, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2020, said she is "very anxious" about the reforms and described her personal independence payments (Pips) as a "lifeline".

Ms Kendall said the overhaul would create a more "pro-work system", while protecting those who cannot work, and aims to save £5bn a year by 2030.

Extra benefit payments for health conditions will also be frozen for current claimants and nearly halved for new applicants.

Some people say elements of the changes are needed, with Bristol student Shannon Keay saying the current system "destroyed the way I think about the worth of my life".

But Ms Sealey, from Taunton, said her initial response to the announcement was "panic".

The 55-year-old from Taunton said: "If you take the daily living part of the payment away, which is the part I rely on, how do I live?"

Ms Sealey, who works part-time, said keeping her mind busy with work helps her to not think about the pain she experiences. But she added her Pips have been a "lifeline" to help pay for additional costs that come with her condition.

"I'm very scared and anxious at the moment."

Ms Sealey added she was forced to bring her pension forward to afford a new shower, as she is no longer able to use the bath.

Amy from Gloucestershire, who deals with depression, anorexia and a panic disorder, has been receiving Pips for 10 months and said the announcement has been a cause of great frustration.

The 49-year-old said: "I have had to drastically reduce my working hours due to my health, so the money I receive is invaluable.

"Accessing mental health treatment on the NHS is becoming increasingly difficult. I have been on the waiting list for over a year.

"The Pips mean I have been able to pay for some private therapy. I don't know what I would have done without this support."

Personal independence payments, or Pips,can help with extra living costs if someone has a long-term physical, mental health condition or disability.

They can also secure this payment if they have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition.

The work and pensions secretary said eligibility for Pips, which starts at £72.65 a week, would be tightened from November 2026.

Applicants qualify by having a score of one to 12, reflecting difficulties with daily activities over a wide range of categories.

Under the changes they will need to score a minimum of four points in at least one living activity, compared to the current assessment where people can qualify by having lower scores over a broad range of categories.

There will be no change to the mobility component, for those who need help getting around.

The government has announced it will be reviewing the Pips assessment, saying the current model "needs modernising".

Student Shannon Keay, 24, who was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome at 13, described the assessment process as "horrific".

She said it took an appeal for her to be awarded the level of payment she was entitled to.

But Ms Keay added the lack of clarity on what the reforms would look like, or what support would be offered to those who lose their payments, is "terrifying".

"It is really dehumanising to say, 'we agree this adversely affects your life, but you're not disabled enough to get financial help with this'.

"It is terrifying the government is saying it will provide other support, but admits it doesn't know what it will be."

The BBC has made approaches to all political parties, with the Green Party saying it will fight "tooth and nail" to stop cuts to the system.

Bristol Central MP and Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said: "I am incredibly worried about the impact it will have on my constituents, many of whom have already written to me to tell me how scared they are."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "This government will always protect the most severely disabled people to live with dignity.

"But we're not prepared to stand back and do nothing while millions of people – especially young people – who have potential to work and live independent lives, instead become trapped out of work and abandoned by the system."

The changes are due to come in from April 2026.

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