A hand up, not a handout

Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is a senior reporter at The Big Issue specialising in social justice. She reports on a wide range of issues including poverty and inequality, the benefits system, disability rights, housing, health, immigration, gender equality and much more. Isabella was a winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards in 2023, formerly known as the 30 under 30. She was shortlisted for journalist of the year in the Scope Disability Awards 2024. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
DWP crackdown on disability benefits is already causing ‘unimaginable terror’, MPs warn
Disability benefits

DWP crackdown on disability benefits is already causing ‘unimaginable terror’, MPs warn

‘It makes me want to scream’: PIP changes could be ‘tragic’ for disabled people, DWP warned
Disability benefits

‘It makes me want to scream’: PIP changes could be ‘tragic’ for disabled people, DWP warned

PIP changes: What is the government planning with the disability benefits system?
Disability benefits

PIP changes: What is the government planning with the disability benefits system?

DWP sparks outcry as disabled people face end to cash benefits: ‘This won’t solve the UK’s problems’
Disability benefits

DWP sparks outcry as disabled people face end to cash benefits: ‘This won’t solve the UK’s problems’

DWP payment dates for benefits and pensions in May 2024 – and how to know if you’re eligible
Benefits

DWP payment dates for benefits and pensions in May 2024 – and how to know if you’re eligible

Hate speech, snooping and benefits: How government policy has ‘violated disabled people’s rights’
Disability rights

Hate speech, snooping and benefits: How government policy has ‘violated disabled people’s rights’

‘It’s evil what they’re doing’: DWP denying benefits to people with schizophrenia and mental illness
Benefits

‘It’s evil what they’re doing’: DWP denying benefits to people with schizophrenia and mental illness

DWP risks repeat of Post Office scandal with plan to snoop on claimants’ bank accounts, MPs warn
Benefits

DWP risks repeat of Post Office scandal with plan to snoop on claimants’ bank accounts, MPs warn

‘It’s a choice between dinner and devices’: Millions of children held back by digital poverty
Exclusive

‘It’s a choice between dinner and devices’: Millions of children held back by digital poverty

My daughter has been trapped in hospital for years with a learning disability – and she wants out
Disabilities

My daughter has been trapped in hospital for years with a learning disability – and she wants out

Millions missing out on £23billion in unclaimed DWP benefits – an average of £2,700 per person
Benefits

Millions missing out on £23billion in unclaimed DWP benefits – an average of £2,700 per person

DWP could violate human rights with plan to snoop on benefit claimants’ bank accounts
Benefits

DWP could violate human rights with plan to snoop on benefit claimants’ bank accounts