UK DWP rolls out welfare reforms, boosting pension credit and targeting benefit payouts

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced a package of welfare reforms. It warned that a £710‑a‑week handout, arising from multiple entitlements, will be scrapped and said it will reassess mild Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims for anxiety, depression and ADHD within its first two years to curb spending.

In a separate move, the DWP said it has issued its “biggest” update for state pensioners. From 6 April, both the basic and new State Pensions rose by 4.8 %, adding up to £575 for more than 12 million retirees. Pension Credit was also increased by 4.8 % and a new campaign aims to maximise take‑up. The department introduced a Crisis and Resilience Fund to help local authorities support vulnerable households facing financial hardship.