Annie Sands our Charity Welfare Rights Champion shares :
As the festive season approaches, we know it can be a time of joy, pressure, and reflection, especially for autistic people and their families. Whether you’re navigating sensory overload, financial stress, or simply trying to hold everything together, please know: you deserve support.
Cost of Living Payments
If you receive means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, ESA (income-based), or Pension Credit, you should have received Cost of Living payments this year.
If you think you’ve missed one, contact DWP or check your online journal or bank statements, they are usually labelled clearly.
Universal Credit and Disability Elements
If you or your child has a disability, make sure your UC includes the correct elements:
• LCWRA (Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity)
• Disabled Child Element (for children on DLA or PIP)
• Carer Element (if you care for someone receiving PIP/DLA)
These are often missed during migration from legacy benefits. If something doesn’t look right, ask for a full breakdown or seek advice, you can challenge underpayments.
Lost the Severe Disability Premium (SDP)?
Many people lost out when moving from legacy benefits to UC. If you previously received SDP (e.g. on Income Support, ESA, or JSA), you may be entitled to transitional protection, or grounds to challenge the move if it was not managed properly.
Carer’s Credit
If you care for someone for 20+ hours a week but don’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you might still be eligible for Carer’s Credit.
It protects your National Insurance record and future State Pension, and it’s often overlooked.
f you already receive Carer’s Allowance, you’ll get Carer’s Credit automatically.
If not, you can:
• Apply online or by post via GOV.UK
• Download the form and send it to the Carer’s Allowance Unit
• Call 0800 731 0297 for help or to request a paper form
You can still qualify if you take breaks from caring (up to 12 weeks), such as holidays or hospital stays.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Update
Reassessments and Award Lengths
• Up to 700,000 claimants with long-term or lifelong conditions may be exempt from future reassessments, reducing stress and bureaucracy.
• Many claimants are now receiving longer awards, five years or more with “light touch” reviews instead of full reassessments.
Assessment Review Underway
• A full review of the PIP assessment process began in Autumn 2025, led by Sir Stephen Timms.
It will examine:
• The role and fairness of current assessment criteria
• How personal circumstances and environment affect eligibility
• Whether additional evidence should be considered beyond functional descriptors
Findings are expected in Autumn 2026, with potential changes to both Daily Living and Mobility components.
Moving to Scotland? New Rules Apply
• From November 6, 2025, people moving permanently from England or Wales to Scotland must apply for the equivalent Scottish benefit (Adult Disability Payment) automatic transfers no longer apply.
• DWP payments continue for 13 weeks after the move, but claimants must act quickly to avoid gaps.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Update
Digital Applications for Children
From 2025, the DWP is rolling out a digital portal for child DLA claims:
• Parents/carers can submit forms online, upload evidence, and track progress.
• This aims to reduce delays and improve consistency across disability benefits.
Transition to PIP or Scottish Benefits
• Adults on DLA will be invited to transition to PIP unless exempt.
• In Scotland, children move to Child Disability Payment, and adults to Adult Disability Payment when eligible.
We are here to help you navigate the system, challenge unfair decisions, and make sure no one is left behind because the process is too complex.
Happy Christmas!
