In what many are calling the most significant shake-up of disability benefits in over a decade, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled controversial plans to phase out Personal Independence Payment (PIP) within the next two years.
The announcement, made by Work and Pensions Secretary Melissa Carlton during a parliamentary session last week, has sent shockwaves through disability communities and advocacy groups across the United Kingdom.
The minister described the move as part of a “comprehensive modernisation” of the benefits system, aimed at creating more “targeted and effective support” for those with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
“The current PIP system, while well-intentioned, has become increasingly unfit for purpose,” Carlton stated during her address to Parliament.
“Assessment processes are often distressing for claimants, waiting times have become unacceptable, and the one-size-fits-all approach fails to address the diverse needs of different disability groups.
We are not reducing support—we are transforming how it’s delivered to better serve those who need it most.”
The plans, outlined in a detailed policy paper titled “Disability Support Reform: A New Approach,” indicate that the current PIP system will begin winding down in April 2025, with complete suspension scheduled for March 2027.
During this transition period, new claimants will be directed to alternative support schemes, while existing PIP recipients will gradually be migrated to replacement programs based on their specific needs and conditions.
For 42-year-old Sarah Jenkins from Leeds, who has received PIP for her multiple sclerosis for the past six years, the announcement has created profound anxiety.
“PIP has been my lifeline,” she explained during a telephone interview.
“It helps me pay for the additional heating I need, for transport to medical appointments, and for occasional care support.
The thought of losing it, or having to go through another assessment process with no guarantee of the outcome, is keeping me awake at night.”
Similar concerns are being echoed across social media platforms and in community support groups, with many disability advocates pointing out that previous benefit reforms have often resulted in vulnerable people falling through the cracks during transition periods.
The DWP’s track record with major system changes, including the troubled rollout of Universal Credit, has done little to inspire confidence among those who will be most affected by this latest overhaul.
The Current State of PIP: Why Change Is Coming
To understand the significance of the announced changes, it’s important to first examine the current state of Personal Independence Payment, which was itself introduced in 2013 as a replacement for Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
PIP provides financial support to help with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition, regardless of income or employment status, and is currently received by approximately 3.3 million people across the UK.
The benefit consists of two components—daily living and mobility—each paid at either a standard or enhanced rate.
At current rates, this means eligible claimants can receive between £26.90 and £172.75 per week, depending on how their condition affects them.
Unlike many other benefits, PIP is not means-tested, recognizing that disability-related costs affect people across all income brackets.
However, the system has faced mounting criticism from multiple directions in recent years.
Assessment processes, outsourced to private companies like Capita and Atos, have been described as “degrading” and “inconsistent” by many claimants.
Parliamentary committees have repeatedly highlighted concerns about the quality and accuracy of assessments, with around 67% of appeals against PIP decisions being successful at tribunal—suggesting serious flaws in the initial decision-making process.
Simultaneously, the DWP has been grappling with unprecedented backlogs, with some new claimants waiting up to 14 months for their applications to be processed.
This has left many disabled people without vital financial support during extended waiting periods, often forcing them into debt or extreme hardship.
From the government’s perspective, the rising cost of PIP has also become a significant concern.
When first introduced, PIP was projected to reduce disability benefit spending by 20% compared to DLA.
Instead, expenditure has increased substantially, reaching £16.9 billion in the 2022-23 financial year—more than double the amount initially forecast.
“The reality is that PIP costs have ballooned beyond all projections,” stated Treasury official Richard Matthews during a select committee hearing last month.
“This isn’t sustainable in the long term, particularly given other pressures on public finances.
Reform isn’t just desirable—it’s necessary.”
This combination of administrative problems, claimant dissatisfaction, and escalating costs has created what the government describes as a “perfect storm” necessitating complete reform rather than incremental changes to the existing system.
Whether the proposed alternatives will address these issues without creating new problems remains the central question concerning disability advocates.
The Timeline: How the Two-Year Transition Will Unfold
The DWP has outlined a phased approach to suspending PIP payments and transitioning claimants to new support systems.
Understanding this timeline is crucial for current recipients and those who might need to apply for disability support in the coming years.
Beginning in April 2025, new applications for PIP will cease to be accepted, with potential claimants instead directed to the new disability support framework (detailed in later sections of this article).
This represents the first concrete step in the transition process and will affect approximately 55,000 people per month who would otherwise have applied for PIP.
From July 2025, the DWP will begin contacting existing PIP recipients to initiate their transition to alternative support programs.
This process will be conducted in stages based on several factors, including claim renewal dates, primary condition type, and geographical location.
The department estimates it will need to process approximately 140,000 cases per month to complete the transition within the planned timeframe.
“We’ve learned from previous benefits transitions that trying to move everyone simultaneously creates unmanageable pressures on the system,” explained DWP Operations Director Thomas Wilson in a briefing document.
“The staged approach allows us to refine processes as we go, address any emerging issues, and ensure each claimant receives appropriate attention and support during their transition.”
PIP award reviews and reassessments will continue until December 2026, ensuring that existing claimants due for review during the transition period still have their support levels appropriately adjusted if their conditions change.
However, these reviews will increasingly incorporate elements of the new assessment framework to prepare both claimants and assessors for the coming changes.
The final PIP payments are scheduled to be made in March 2027, marking the complete suspension of the benefit.
By this point, all current recipients should have been transitioned to appropriate alternative support, though the policy document acknowledges that “contingency measures” will be in place for any cases that haven’t completed the migration process by the deadline.
Throughout this period, appeal rights for PIP decisions will remain in place, and the DWP has confirmed that successful appeals will result in backdated payments even if they’re resolved after the system has been fully suspended.
This is an important safeguard for those currently in the often lengthy appeal process.
Most Affected Groups: Who Stands to Gain or Lose
The impact of the PIP suspension will vary significantly across different disability groups, with the DWP’s own impact assessment acknowledging that certain claimants may find themselves better off under the new system while others could potentially receive reduced support.
Understanding which groups fall into each category is essential for current recipients preparing for the transition.
Perhaps most significantly affected will be those with fluctuating conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain mental health conditions.
Under the current PIP system, these claimants often struggle to accurately convey how their condition affects them on what the assessment process problematically calls a “typical day.”
The new framework promises condition-specific assessments that better account for fluctuation and accumulated fatigue, potentially benefiting this substantial group of claimants.
Individuals with learning disabilities and autism also stand to see significant changes in how their support needs are assessed and met.
The policy paper specifically highlights that the current PIP criteria often fail to accurately capture the social, communication, and independent living challenges faced by these groups.
The new system will incorporate specialist assessors with expertise in neurodevelopmental conditions and move away from the physical function-focused aspects of PIP assessments.
“For too long, autistic people have been forced into an assessment system that fundamentally misunderstands our needs,” said Michael Richards, director of policy at the National Autistic Society.
“While we have serious concerns about any major benefit overhaul, we cautiously welcome the commitment to condition-specific approaches that might better recognize the challenges our community faces.”
Conversely, some disability campaigners fear that those with physical disabilities—particularly mobility issues—may find their support reduced under the new framework.
The current PIP mobility component provides vital financial support that helps many disabled people afford accessible transportation, adapted vehicles through the Motability scheme, or simply cover the extra costs of taxis when public transport isn’t accessible.
Early policy documents suggest that mobility support will be “reconfigured” in the new system, with more emphasis on providing actual services and less on cash payments.
This has raised alarms among many current recipients who value the flexibility that direct financial support provides.
Emma Thompson, a wheelchair user from Cardiff who currently receives the enhanced rate of both PIP components, expressed concerns shared by many: “The government seems to think they know better than disabled people how our needs should be met.
I use my PIP to pay for things the government wouldn’t even think of—waterproof covers for my wheelchair, higher utility bills because I’m home more, special clothing that fits while sitting.
A service-based system might not recognize these kinds of costs.”
Older disabled people—particularly those over state pension age—may also face significant changes, with some policy experts suggesting the new system might more closely integrate with social care provision for this demographic.
While this could potentially create a more coordinated approach to meeting their needs, it also raises questions about means-testing, as social care support typically takes financial resources into account unlike the current PIP system.
The New Framework: What Will Replace PIP
The cornerstone of the DWP’s plan is not simply to eliminate PIP but to replace it with what they’re calling a “Health and Disability Support Framework” (HDSF).
This new approach represents a fundamental philosophical shift in how disability support is conceptualized and delivered.
Rather than a single benefit with standard and enhanced rates across two components, the HDSF will consist of multiple tailored support streams designed to meet the specific needs of different disability groups.
The initial framework outlines five primary streams:
- The Independent Living Fund Plus (ILF+) – Focusing on those with significant personal care and daily living needs
- The Mobility and Access Support Allowance (MASA) – Addressing transportation and community access requirements
- The Enhanced Support Allowance (ESA) – For those with the most complex and substantial support needs
- The Health Condition Support Payment (HCSP) – Covering additional costs directly related to specific health conditions
- The Participation and Inclusion Fund (PIF) – Supporting social engagement, education, and employment opportunities
Each stream will have its own eligibility criteria, assessment process, and payment structure, moving away from the “one-size-fits-all” approach of PIP.
Claimants may qualify for multiple streams depending on their individual circumstances, potentially receiving a package of support tailored to their specific disability or condition.
“This modular approach allows for much greater personalization,” explained Dr. Helen Martinez, disability policy advisor who contributed to the framework’s development.
“Someone with a visual impairment has very different support needs than someone with chronic pain, yet PIP assessed them using largely the same criteria.
The new system recognizes these differences and addresses them more appropriately.”
Another significant change is the integration of non-financial support alongside cash payments.
The policy paper indicates that approximately 60% of support will still be provided as direct financial assistance, with the remaining 40% delivered through services, equipment provision, concession cards, and other practical support measures.
This mixed delivery model has drawn mixed reactions from disability organizations.
Some welcome the potential for more practical support, while others fear losing the autonomy that comes with direct payments.
Richard Stevens of Disability Rights UK highlighted this tension: “The flexibility of cash payments has always been valued by disabled people because it allows them to meet their needs in ways that work for them.
While some services might be welcomed, we would strongly resist any major shift away from giving disabled people direct control over their support.”
Assessment processes will also change dramatically under the new system.
Instead of the current model where most claimants attend a single assessment covering all aspects of disability, the HDSF will utilize specialized assessments for each support stream.
Many of these will be conducted by healthcare professionals with expertise in specific conditions rather than generalist assessors, and the DWP has committed to reducing the need for face-to-face assessments by making better use of existing medical evidence.
Financial Implications: Will Support Levels Change?
Perhaps the most pressing question for current PIP recipients is whether the new system will leave them financially better or worse off.
The government has made various commitments about protecting support levels, but the details reveal a more complex picture.
In her parliamentary statement, Secretary Carlton promised that “no existing claimant will see their support reduced overnight as a direct result of these changes.”
However, disability advocates have been quick to note the qualifying language in this statement, particularly the phrases “overnight” and “as a direct result,” which seem to leave room for gradual reductions or cuts attributed to other factors.
The DWP’s impact assessment, released alongside the policy paper, provides some insight into the expected financial outcomes.
It suggests that approximately:
- 40% of current PIP recipients may receive increased support under the new system
- 35% could see broadly similar levels of financial support
- 25% might receive reduced financial support, though potentially with increased service provision instead
For those in the last category, the average projected reduction in monetary support is approximately £38 per week—a significant sum for people often already living on limited incomes.
The government argues that this will be offset by better-targeted services and support, but many disability organizations remain skeptical about this equivalence.
“Services are only valuable if they actually meet the specific needs of the individual and are reliably available when needed,” noted Caroline Wells, chief executive of a national disability charity.
“Many disabled people have experienced promised services that never materialized or weren’t appropriate for their needs.
Direct payments provide certainty and control that service provision often cannot match.”
Financial transitions will be managed through a system of “transitional protection” for existing PIP claimants.
This means that those who would receive less under the new framework will initially continue to receive their current payment level, with this protection gradually withdrawn over a period of up to three years.
This approach aims to prevent cliff-edge drops in income while still ultimately moving everyone to the new payment structure.
For new claimants entering the system after April 2025, however, no such protection will exist.
They will immediately be assessed under the new criteria and receive the corresponding level of support.
This creates a potential disparity between similar cases depending on when they enter the system—a situation that has caused problems during previous benefit reforms.
Total expenditure on disability support is projected to remain broadly similar under the new framework, with the DWP forecasting annual spending of approximately £17 billion.
However, the distribution of this funding will change significantly, with more resources directed toward those with the most complex needs and potentially less for those with moderate disabilities.
The Application Process: What Current and Future Claimants Need to Know
For those currently navigating the PIP system or anticipating needing disability support in the coming years, understanding the changing application landscape is crucial.
The transition will bring significant procedural changes alongside the structural reforms.
Current PIP recipients will not need to proactively apply for the new support streams.
Instead, the DWP will contact them before their transition date with information about the process.
This will typically include completing a new application form specific to the HDSF and potentially attending new assessments, though the department has indicated that existing medical evidence will be used whenever possible to minimize unnecessary reassessments.
“We understand the anxiety that any reassessment process creates,” stated DWP Transformation Director Amanda Lewis.
“That’s why we’re committed to making this transition as straightforward as possible, using information we already hold and only requesting new assessments where absolutely necessary to understand a claimant’s support needs.”
For individuals who develop disabilities or receive qualifying diagnoses after April 2025, the application process will look substantially different from the current PIP system.
Rather than a single application, they will complete an initial needs assessment that will direct them to the relevant support streams within the HDSF.
This triage approach aims to immediately channel applicants toward the most appropriate types of support rather than forcing everyone through the same standardized process.
Documentation requirements will also change under the new system.
The HDSF places greater emphasis on evidence from healthcare professionals who have ongoing relationships with claimants, such as specialists, GPs, and community healthcare teams.
This represents a shift away from the current emphasis on the observations made by assessors during relatively brief assessment appointments.
“This is a welcome change that disability advocates have been requesting for years,” explained disability rights lawyer Patricia Thornton.
“The current system often disregards detailed evidence from specialists in favor of snapshot observations by assessors who may have little experience with particular conditions.
Prioritizing evidence from treating clinicians should lead to more accurate assessments.”
Digital accessibility is another key focus of the new application process.
While paper applications will remain available, the DWP is developing an integrated digital platform that will allow applicants to submit evidence, track their application, and communicate with decision-makers electronically.
The department claims this will significantly reduce processing times, though advocates have raised concerns about digital exclusion for claimants without reliable internet access or digital skills.
Perhaps most significantly for applicants, decision timeframes are expected to change dramatically.
The current PIP system has been plagued by lengthy delays, with initial applications often taking 6-14 months to process.
Under the HDSF, the DWP has committed to a standard decision timeframe of 10 weeks for most cases, with expedited 3-week processing for terminal illness cases and those with the most urgent needs.
Advocacy Response: Criticism and Cautious Optimism
The announcement of PIP’s planned suspension has generated diverse responses from disability organizations, advocacy groups, and individual campaigners.
While almost all express serious concerns about the scale and pace of the changes, there are varying degrees of opposition and cautious support for specific elements of the reform.
Disability Rights UK, one of the nation’s largest disabled people’s organizations, issued a statement highlighting both opportunities and dangers in the proposed changes: “While we welcome the recognition that the current system isn’t working for many disabled people, we have serious concerns about the transition process and the potential for some groups to lose vital support.
Any reform must be led by the experiences and needs of disabled people themselves, not primarily by cost-cutting objectives.”
Mental health charities have been somewhat more positive about the reforms, noting that the current PIP system often fails to accurately assess the impact of mental health conditions.
Mind’s policy director, Jennifer Sullivan, commented: “The promised condition-specific assessment pathways could potentially better recognize the complex impacts of mental health conditions.
However, we’ll be watching closely to ensure these promises translate into real improvements rather than just rebranding existing inadequate processes.”
Particularly vocal criticism has come from grassroots disability activist groups like Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), which has already announced plans for nationwide protests against the changes.
DPAC spokesperson Keith Williams stated: “We’ve seen this playbook before—promises of ‘better targeted support’ that actually translate to fewer people getting less help.
The government calls it modernization, we call it what it is: cuts by another name.”
Parliamentary scrutiny has also begun, with the Work and Pensions Select Committee announcing a comprehensive inquiry into the proposed changes.
Committee chair David Harrison MP stated: “Given the scale and significance of these reforms, and the vulnerable nature of many of those affected, it is essential that we subject these plans to rigorous scrutiny.
We will be calling ministers, DWP officials, and disability organizations to give evidence in the coming weeks.”
The response from affected individuals has been equally mixed, often depending on their experiences with the current system.
Those who have had particularly negative experiences with PIP assessments or decisions are more likely to welcome change, while those who have secured appropriate support through the current system fear disruption to support they rely on.
“I’ve fought for three years to get the right PIP award, including a tribunal appeal,” explained Thomas Wilson, a chronic pain sufferer from Manchester.
“Now that I finally have the support I need, the thought of having to go through another system change, more forms, and potentially more assessments fills me with dread.
I just don’t have the energy to fight the system again.”
Alternative Support: Beyond the New Framework
While much attention has focused on the direct replacements for PIP within the HDSF, the government has also announced several complementary initiatives aimed at addressing criticism that cash benefit replacement isn’t enough to meet disabled people’s needs in the community.
These additional measures form an important part of the overall support landscape that will emerge as PIP is phased out.
A new National Disability Employment Strategy will be published alongside the benefit changes, with £320 million of funding committed to improving employment support for disabled people who can and want to work.
This includes expanded Access to Work provisions, covering workplace adaptations and support, and a new “Disability Confident Plus” employer certification program with tax incentives for participating businesses.
“Employment is about more than just income—it’s about participation, purpose, and being valued,” said Employment Minister Jessica Foster.
“But we recognize that work isn’t appropriate or possible for everyone, which is why these reforms separate employment support from basic living cost support, unlike Universal Credit.”
Local authority partnerships form another key component of the alternative support structure.
The DWP has announced £500 million in dedicated funding for councils to enhance local disability support services, including accessible transportation schemes, equipment provision programs, and inclusive community activities.
This devolved approach aims to create support that’s responsive to local needs rather than centrally prescribed.
Technology enablement represents a particularly innovative aspect of the alternative support package.
A £150 million “Disability Tech Fund” will provide grants for the development and provision of assistive technology solutions, from communication aids to smart home adaptations.
Eligible disabled people will be able to access these technologies through a new equipment provision stream separate from the cash benefit components.
“Technology has enormous potential to enhance independence and quality of life,” noted Dr. James Wilson, an assistive technology specialist consulting on the program.
“But many disabled people currently can’t afford to access these solutions.
This dedicated funding stream could help bridge that digital divide.”
Healthcare integration initiatives will aim to create more seamless connections between benefit support and NHS services.
This includes the creation of “Disability Support Coordinators” within primary care networks to help patients navigate both health and financial support systems, and simplified medical evidence processes to reduce bureaucratic burdens on both patients and healthcare professionals.
These complementary measures have generally received more positive responses than the core benefit changes, even from groups critical of the overall reform direction.
However, concerns remain about implementation timelines, funding sustainability beyond initial announcements, and whether these initiatives will be available nationwide or subject to the “postcode lottery” that affects many existing support services.
Preparing for Transition: Advice for Current PIP Recipients
For the millions of people currently receiving PIP, the announcement of its planned suspension creates significant uncertainty.
While the full transition is still two years away, experts advise taking proactive steps now to prepare for the coming changes and potentially protect your position.
The first and perhaps most important step is ensuring all your medical evidence is up to date.
As the new system will place greater emphasis on evidence from treating healthcare professionals, connecting with your GP, specialists, and other healthcare providers now to ensure they have comprehensive and current information about your condition and its impacts can create a stronger foundation for future assessments.
“I’m advising all my clients to request copies of their medical records and to speak with their healthcare teams about documenting the full impact of their conditions,” said benefits advisor Margaret Williams.
“Having this documentation in place before the transition begins could make a significant difference to outcomes under the new system.”
Understanding your current award is another essential preparation step.
The transitional protection mechanisms will be based on current payment levels, so ensuring these accurately reflect your needs is important.
If you believe your current PIP award underestimates your needs or your condition has worsened since your last assessment, seeking a review under the current system might be advantageous before the transition begins.
Community support connections are likely to become increasingly important as the system changes.
Local disability organizations, peer support groups, and advocacy services can provide both practical assistance with navigating the new systems and emotional support during what may be a stressful transition period.
Making these connections before you need urgent help can create valuable support networks.
“No one should have to navigate these changes alone,” emphasized community organizer David Chen.
“We’re already seeing local groups organizing information sessions and mutual support initiatives.
Finding your community now will make a huge difference when the formal transition process begins.”
Financial planning advice suggests creating contingency funds if possible, given the uncertainty about support levels under the new system.
While this is challenging for many people on fixed incomes, even small emergency savings can provide some buffer against potential disruptions or payment gaps during the transition.
Record-keeping will be particularly important during the transition period.
Experts recommend keeping copies of all correspondence with the DWP, notes of phone conversations (including dates, times, and the names of officials spoken to), and details of how your condition affects you on a daily basis.
This documentation can be invaluable if you need to challenge decisions or provide evidence during the reassessment process.
Looking Ahead: The Broader Context of Welfare Reform
The planned suspension of PIP does not exist in isolation but forms part of a broader reform agenda for the UK welfare system.
Understanding this wider context helps clarify the government’s motivations and the likely direction of future changes.
Demographic pressures represent one of the primary drivers behind welfare reform efforts.
The UK has an aging population with increasing health and disability support needs.
Government projections suggest that without significant system changes, spending on disability benefits could increase by approximately 40% over the next 15 years—a trajectory seen as fiscally unsustainable by Treasury officials.
Integration of health and social care policy with benefits support represents another key trend.
The current system is characterized by often disconnected support streams administered by different agencies with separate budgets and priorities.
The government’s stated ambition is to create more coordinated approaches that address individuals’ needs holistically rather than through separate bureaucratic processes.
“These silos create inefficiency and often leave disabled people navigating multiple complex systems,” explained social policy researcher Dr. Amanda Thompson.
“In principle, greater integration could improve experiences and outcomes, but the danger is always that integration becomes a cover for reducing overall support levels.”
Digitalization and automation of assessment and delivery systems form a central part of the reform vision.
The DWP has invested heavily in new technology platforms that it claims will reduce processing times, decrease administrative costs, and create more consistent decision-making.
However, concerns remain about algorithmic bias, digital exclusion, and the loss of human judgment in complex cases.
International influences have also shaped the reform agenda, with the government explicitly referencing systems from countries including Australia, Sweden, and Canada as inspiration for elements of the new framework.
These nations have generally moved toward more personalized, goals-based approaches to disability support rather than standardized payment systems.
The political dimension cannot be ignored in analyzing these changes.
Disability benefits have become increasingly politically contested, with narratives about “dependency,” “fraud,” and “targeting support at the most vulnerable” featuring prominently in policy discussions.
The coming general election may significantly influence how these reforms proceed, with opposition parties already indicating they would review and potentially alter the plans if elected.
As Sarah Jenkins from Leeds, quoted earlier in this article, reflected: “Disabled people like me just want security, dignity, and enough support to live our lives as independently as possible.
These shouldn’t be political footballs, but somehow they always are.
Whatever system replaces PIP, I hope it remembers that real people’s lives depend on getting this right.”
Navigating Uncertain Waters
As the two-year countdown to PIP’s suspension begins, the landscape of disability support in the UK stands at a crossroads.
The coming transition represents both potential opportunities for meaningful improvement and significant risks for some of society’s most vulnerable citizens.
The government’s promise of a more personalized, condition-sensitive approach to disability support addresses legitimate criticisms of the current system and could potentially better meet the diverse needs of different disability groups.
The emphasis on specialist assessors, better use of medical evidence, and reduced assessment burdens could alleviate some of the most stressful aspects of the current process.
However, serious concerns remain about implementation challenges, potential reductions in financial support for some groups, and the disruptive impact of another major system change on people already navigating complex lives with disability or ill health.
The government’s track record with previous welfare reforms offers little reassurance that this transition will be managed without significant problems.
What is certain is that the coming two years will be a period of considerable uncertainty and potential anxiety for PIP’s millions of recipients.
Clear communication, genuine engagement with disabled people’s organizations, and flexible, compassionate implementation will be essential if the promised improvements are to be realized without creating new hardships.
As disability rights campaigner Helen Morris observed: “Disabled people have heard promises of ‘improved systems’ many times before, only to find themselves fighting for basic support in systems that don’t understand their needs.
The true test of these reforms won’t be in the policy papers but in whether they make life better or worse for disabled people trying to live with dignity and independence in their communities.”
The suspension of PIP payments may be two years away, but the debate about what should replace them—and whether those replacements will adequately support those in need—begins now.
For current recipients, future claimants, and the wider society, the stakes could hardly be higher.