Facing cuts to PIP and other benefits? Here’s what you can do about it

With talk of disability benefit cuts dominating the headlines, it’s no wonder so many people are feeling anxious. With proposed plans to change how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed and distributed, more and more people are concerned about the potential repercussions.  

Under the potential DWP changes to PIP, fewer people could qualify for financial support – and those already receiving it may see their payments reduced or even removed. While nothing is currently set in stone, it’s important to understand the proposed changes and how this might impact on you.  

Whether you’re already claiming PIP, are going through a PIP assessment, or simply worried about the impact of welfare cuts in 2026, here’s a breakdown of what you can do today to protect your finances and wellbeing. 

check what benefits you’re entitled to – right now 

If you’re worried about impending changes to benefits, now’s the time to check that you’re receiving everything you are entitled to. Think you’re accessing everything you can? Think again – a report in 2023 found that around £19 billion of support goes unclaimed every single year. Take a few minutes to find out if there’s anything you’re missing out on with caba’s benefits calculator, and find out if there’s anything that might help you prepare for potential PIP cuts. The sooner you check, the sooner you’ll understand your next steps. 

find out if there’s any available grants 

To help you bridge the gap caused by potential PIP cuts, there’s are an array of both government and third-party grants that may just be the saving grace you’re after. These may include: 

• Grants for students  

• Grants for new parents and carers  

• Grants for domestic abuse victims  

• Grants for those facing financial difficulty or poverty  

• Grants for sufferers of mental and physical health   

• Grants to support long-term illnesses 

You can quickly find out what grants you can potentially take advantage of by using caba’s grants search tool, which shows you what you are eligible for and how to access them. 

caba offers its own grants, which can help cover for essential items such as appliances, food costs, bills and other items needed to maintain your standard of living.  

seek additional disability support 

If you’re disabled, have a long-term illness you likely rely on PIP or disability benefits for day-to-day living costs and additional support. Having these potentially stripped down might cause you to worry about how you can continue to live at the same standard – but there may be additional ways of getting hold of the support you need. 

caba offers both financial support and professional guidance specifically designed to meet the needs of carers, or those with a disability or illness. This can include: 

• specialist care advice on home adaptions or care assessments 

• financial contributions for: 

• specialist technology and equipment like a stair lift 

• adapting your home to make it accessible and safe 

• mobility aids such as a wheelchair or electric mobility scooter 

• contributions towards the cost of carers coming to the home 

• contributions towards care home top-up fees 

• temporary respite care so that you can take a break 

• essential living expenses you may struggle to afford 

Find out more about how caba can help carers and those with a disability or illness, and apply for support. 

You can also get in touch with charities such as Scope, who specifically support those with disabilities. Disability Rights UK also offer comprehensive advice on your rights, the application process for benefits, and what support you can access.  

explore caba's support options

Even though the changes to PIP assessments and other disability benefit cuts are still in the works, exploring your options and taking action now can help protect both your finances and wellbeing.  

As well as grants, caba can help with identifying benefits entitlement and claims, including the appeals process. If a claim is turned down, don’t always assume this is the right decision – speak to caba and they can support you throughout the entire appeal process. 

For further support and guidance, reach out to caba and find out if and how they can help you.