The cost of cuts
Right now, the government is considering changes to disability benefits. But for millions of disabled people, these benefits are a lifeline. They are the difference between surviving and being pushed deeper into poverty.
Life costs a lot more when you’re disabled. Thousands of pounds for a wheelchair or home adaptations. Sky high energy bills because without enough heating you’re in constant agony.
Needing more financial support is not a choice. Disabled people often live in pain and in fear of losing vital support.
After years of rising prices, many disabled people are already on the brink. Cutting disability benefits will deal another catastrophic blow to disabled people’s lives.
Almost half of families in poverty include someone who is disabled. Ripping away disability benefits will see hundreds of thousands more disabled people in poverty.
Disabled people should not be blamed for the country’s economic issues. There are 16 million disabled people in the UK. Some of us are in work, others want to work but are denied the opportunity. Others may never be able to work. The government must listen to disabled people. They must work with us to reform the benefits system, rather than making it worse.
The Chancellor has a choice. Cut benefits and increase poverty or invest in an equal future. Don’t ignore the cost of cuts.
Tell the Government the cost of cuts would be catastrophic.
The government have not confirmed their plans yet. Cuts to disability benefits are not inevitable. Make disabled voices heard.
By adding your name, you’re showing the Government we are united against cuts to disability benefits.
More about this campaign
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Do we know what might change about disability benefits?
The government hasn’t confirmed its plans yet, but it is considering changes to disability benefits. This includes reforming the Work Capability Assessment and potentially changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The government have not confirmed their plans yet, but they are considering some proposals which could lead to cuts or stricter eligibility criteria.
A consultation is coming in the spring, where the government will outline all the options. Until then, we know that media reports and speculation will be worrying to lots of disabled people.
Once they publish the consultation, we’ll take a close look at what they propose. And we’ll share an explainer so you know what it could mean for disabled people.
If you are worried about benefits, our helpline can provide free advice and support. You can find out more at https://scope.org.uk/helpline.
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Why does life cost more for disabled people?
Scope research has found that on average, disabled households need an additional £1,010 a month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households.
For many disabled people, this is money that we simply do not have. Almost half of families in poverty include someone who is disabled. Ripping away disability benefits will see hundreds of thousands more disabled people in poverty.
The financial struggle with extra costs is ongoing. And has a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of disabled people. At the very worst, this can be life-threatening.
Our Price Tag figure is updated yearly. Check the latest Disability Price Tag figure.
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What does Scope hope to achieve with this campaign?
We are calling on the government to protect disability benefits and ensure they continue to provide vital support.
We will be gathering evidence from disabled people, our research, and our frontline services to show the real impact of potential changes. Our campaign will highlight why disability benefits like PIP are essential and what needs to change to better support disabled people.
Life costs more when you’re disabled - thousands of pounds for mobility aids, home adaptations, and sky high energy bills just to stay warm and out of pain. Cutting benefits would deal a catastrophic blow to disabled people’s lives. The Chancellor has a choice. Cut benefits and increase poverty or invest in an equal future.
Scope is here to help
We know media reports and speculation about disability benefit changes are worrying for many disabled people.
If you are worried about benefits, Scope is here to help.