UK Disability Benefit Cuts Expected to Affect Over 3 Million Claimants

Recent proposed welfare reforms in the UK, particularly the introduction of the "four-point rule" for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), could result in up to 1.3 million disabled claimants losing support, including many who rely on daily assistance for essential activities. This rule requires claimants to score at least four points in one activity rather than a total of eight across multiple activities, significantly narrowing eligibility and disproportionately affecting people with conditions like arthritis, MS, and post-stroke disabilities. Critics, including Citizens Advice and disabled individuals, argue these changes will increase hardship, worsen health outcomes, and push millions into deeper poverty, with estimates suggesting 3.2 million families could be adversely affected. Additionally, the government's plan to scrap the Work Capability Assessment without a tested alternative raises concerns about the risk to vulnerable claimants, especially those with mental health issues or unstable living conditions. Calls have been made for delaying these reforms until fair systems are established, emphasizing the need for better coordination between job services, healthcare, and support systems to protect disabled individuals' wellbeing. Meanwhile, in Michigan, potential Medicaid cuts are feared to impact 2.6 million residents, including families, children, and people with disabilities, though the extent of coverage losses is contested by Republicans.