Ally
The UK government’s new Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, introduced in Parliament in June 2025, has sparked significant concerns regarding the eligibility of individuals with certain chronic conditions for support under the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Specifically, the Severe Conditions Criteria Group has been established to safeguard 200,000 people with severe health conditions from frequent reassessments.
However, the criteria could unintentionally exclude people with fluctuating or slowly progressing conditions. Below, we explore four health conditions that may not qualify under the new DWP criteria.
1. Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.
However, the nature of Parkinson’s disease means that patients experience fluctuating symptoms. Some days may be relatively manageable, while others can be debilitating.
Under the new DWP criteria, individuals with Parkinson’s disease may not qualify if their symptoms are not severe enough to meet the “at all times” requirement.
Parkinson’s patients could be excluded from the Severe Conditions Criteria if their condition is in a period of remission or their symptoms fluctuate unpredictably, even though they may still have significant difficulty performing daily tasks or working.
2. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis is another progressive condition that could be impacted by the new DWP criteria. MS affects the central nervous system, and symptoms can vary widely, from fatigue to muscle weakness, numbness, and vision problems.
The severity of MS can change over time, with some individuals experiencing relapses and periods of remission.
For individuals with MS, the issue lies in the “at all times” requirement. Even though someone may have a significant diagnosis and functional limitations, they could find themselves excluded from the Severe Conditions Criteria during periods when their symptoms are not as pronounced.
This inconsistency could make it difficult for MS sufferers to access the support they need, even if they are still unable to work during these times.
3. Severe Mental Illness
Severe mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder, may also face challenges under the new DWP criteria.
Many individuals with severe mental illness experience periods of stability where they are able to function relatively well, but their condition may still impair their ability to work on a long-term basis.
Given that mental illness often has fluctuating symptoms, individuals may fail to meet the “at all times” requirement of the Severe Conditions Criteria.
Despite meeting other eligibility criteria, individuals with severe mental illness may be excluded from the safeguards, making it harder for them to receive the necessary support during periods of worsening symptoms.
4. Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic conditions that cause progressive muscle weakness and loss.
As the condition progresses, it can lead to significant disability, but the rate of progression varies from one individual to another. Some people may experience a slow progression, while others may see rapid deterioration.
Under the DWP’s new criteria, individuals with muscular dystrophy could be disqualified from the Severe Conditions Criteria due to fluctuations in the severity of their condition.
For example, during periods of manageable symptoms or slow progression, a claimant may no longer qualify, even though their overall ability to work remains severely compromised.
Impact on Benefits
The new criteria are set to come into effect in April 2026, alongside a reduction in the health element rate of Universal Credit.
At present, recipients of the health supplement receive £97 per week. However, this amount is set to be frozen until the financial year 2029/2030.
For those applying for extra support after 2026, the health supplement will be reduced to just £50 per week.
Moreover, government projections indicate that 2.25 million existing beneficiaries will lose approximately £500 each annually, while newcomers to the system will face an estimated annual loss of £3,000.
| Condition | Potential Impact | Eligibility Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Parkinson’s Disease | Fluctuating symptoms can result in exclusion from Severe Conditions criteria. | Must meet “at all times” requirement. |
| Multiple Sclerosis | Remissions and relapses may affect eligibility. | Symptoms not severe enough during remission periods. |
| Severe Mental Illness | Periods of stability may lead to exclusion. | “At all times” requirement not met during stable periods. |
| Muscular Dystrophy | Slow progression may make eligibility uncertain. | Excluded during periods of manageable symptoms or slow progression. |
The new DWP criteria, effective from April 2026, aim to save costs but could inadvertently leave certain individuals with fluctuating or slowly progressing conditions without the support they need.
While many will benefit from the health supplement, others with conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, severe mental illness, and muscular dystrophy may find themselves excluded.
As the criteria begin to take shape, it is essential that the government review these exclusions to ensure that those with chronic conditions who remain unable to work are not left behind.
FAQs
How does the new DWP criteria affect individuals with fluctuating conditions?
The new criteria require individuals to meet the “at all times” standard, meaning those with fluctuating conditions like Parkinson’s or MS may not qualify if their symptoms are not consistently severe.
What will happen to the Universal Credit health supplement under the new criteria?
The health supplement of £97 per week will be frozen until 2029/2030, with a reduction to £50 for new applicants after 2026.
Can individuals still receive support if their condition worsens over time?
While individuals whose condition worsens may eventually meet the criteria, they may not qualify for the Severe Conditions Criteria during periods of symptom stability.