incapacity

Those changes would include stricter tests for personal independence payments and the halving of incapacity benefits under universal credit for new claimants.

The government's changes include stricter eligibility tests for those claiming personal independence payments and a freezing of incapacity benefits under universal credit.

This includes halving incapacity benefits for new claimants, and tighter criteria around the Personal Independence Payment for those with long term physical or mental health conditions.

Elspeth receives a total of about £1,200 a month through a student maintenance loan and incapacity and disability benefits.

Experts say the increase is due a combination of worse mental health since the pandemic and a higher retirement age meaning some are instead claiming incapacity benefits.