Government pauses disability benefit changes – what this means for families raising disabled and seriously ill children

The Government has confirmed it is pausing its plans to change key disability benefits, including Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). 

This decision came after families, charities, and campaigners across the UK raised strong concerns about how the proposed changes could make life even harder for those already facing daily challenges. 

At Family Fund, we welcome this step back but also know many families will still be feeling uncertain about what comes next. 

The Government’s Welfare Reform Bill, which included major changes to UC and PIP, has passed its second reading in the House of Commons. It will now move to committee stage, where MPs will examine it in detail and can propose changes before it is voted on again. It was only able to progress after ministers announced they would go back to the drawing board and review their approach. Plans to cut PIP for current claimants have now been removed but changes to the health element of Universal Credit for new claimants are still due to begin in April 2026. 

A formal review is now being planned, and we hope this will give families a real opportunity to share their experiences and be part of shaping future decisions. 

A message from our Chief Executive, Cheryl Ward CBE 

“We’re pleased the Government has chosen to pause and rethink. Disability and wider social security benefits are vital for families. They help with everyday costs and make sure children and young people get the care and support they need. 

“Families are already facing a high level of challenge- almost half of families we surveyed in our latest Cost of Caring research say they can’t cover day-to-day expenses. Nearly 90 percent have no savings at all, and more than two-thirds say their child’s wellbeing is affected by money worries. 

“Families were, understandably, incredibly concerned about the proposed changes. 

We want Government to take on the views of families raising disabled children, disabled people and disability organisations like ours so we can work together to get the right support to those who need it most.” 

Thank you for speaking up 

To every family who wrote to their MP, shared their experience, or supported others you helped make this pause happen. 

This is an important moment. It gives us the chance to make sure that any future changes to the benefit system are shaped with families at the centre and truly reflect the realities of caring for a disabled or seriously ill child. 

We’ll continue to speak up for the families we support and will be working hard, in the months to come, to ensure their voices are heard in the review process.