A call for change
How will the government’s tightening of benefits affect our everyday lives? Recent changes to the eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) have already begun to leave many disabled young women like me facing uncertainty. These new rules aren’t just about reducing financial support – they fundamentally impact our quality of life, work opportunities, and independence.
As someone managing mental health challenges, physical limitations, and neurodiversity, I know firsthand that I cannot sit back while these changes threaten our future.
The impact on disabled young women
Disabled young women face unique challenges that often go unnoticed. From the high cost of managing a disability to difficulties in accessing education and fair work opportunities, the hurdles are daunting. Young Women’s Trust’s research shows:
- Job insecurity: 37% of disabled young women worry about job security, compared to 24% among the general young women population.
- Discrimination at work: 29% face discrimination, higher than the 18% seen in the wider community.
- Precarious working conditions: many of us are asked to work without pay (43% vs. 38%) and lack formal employment contracts (37% vs. 30%).
These figures show that the gap between us and our peers is widening. With the PIP eligibility criteria set to tighten further in November 2026 – making it harder to access even the basic £72.65 a week for daily living – more disabled young women could be left behind.
For many, PIP is not just a benefit; it’s a lifeline that covers transport, specialised equipment, and other hidden costs of living with a disability.
Why PIP matters to me
PIP has enabled me to maintain my independence, pursue education, take part in leisure activities, and keep working. Without it, everyday activities – getting to work, purchasing medication, or attending university – would be nearly impossible. These extra costs may seem invisible, but they have a very real impact on our ability to live freely.
While the full details of these changes remain under wraps, we know that the government intends to tighten the eligibility criteria and increase the frequency of reassessments. This adds an extra layer of stress to an already complex and stressful application process.
I’m not alone: according to Young Women’s Trust’s research, 39% of young women on benefits have experienced discrimination during the claims process, and 29% of young women unable to work have had to appeal benefit decisions. These statistics underscore how critical these changes are to our daily lives and future prospects.
A vision for a fairer future
It’s clear that the PIP system is deeply flawed, and the current government approach is not enough. Disabled young women are not only struggling to manage financially – but we are also being denied the opportunities and independence we deserve. We need a transformation in how benefits are delivered:
– More inclusive support: simplify and make the PIP application process less burdensome.
– Invest in accessible workplaces, flexible job opportunities, mentorship, and community support tailored for disabled young women.
For us, change is about participating in a system that truly supports our independence and aspirations.
