# ACT under fire for disability benefits cuts

> ACT faces backlash over proposed $653m disability benefits cuts in fiscal plan.
- Title: ACT under fire for disability benefits cuts · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: ACT faces backlash over proposed $653m disability benefits cuts in fiscal plan. ACT plans to cut disability benefits by $653 million over four years…
- Keywords: act, disability benefits, fiscal plan, national, david seymour, nicola willis, kiwisaver, carbon tax, green party, labour, politics, news
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1843091/shovel-money-upwards-starve-everyone-else-act-under-fire-over-proposed-disability-benefits-cuts
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-11T07:39:26+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: act, disability benefits, fiscal plan, national, david seymour, nicola willis, kiwisaver, carbon tax, green party, labour, politics, news
## ACT fiscal plan
ACT released its fiscal plan on Sunday at a photography studio on Auckland's Karangahape Road.
## David Seymour's criticism
Seymour criticized government's economic handling, saying fiscal blowout during covid has not been repaired.
## Tax cut approach
ACT opts for small and strategic tax cuts rather than broader income tax cuts.
## Disability benefits cut
ACT plans to cut disability benefits by $653 million over four years.
## Medical certification requirement
ACT requires independent medical certification against clear criteria for health and disability benefits.
## National's response
National's finance spokesperson Nicola Willis defended fiscal repair despite global headwinds.
## Disability advocate reaction
Independent disability advocate Jane Carrigan called cuts a 'vicious blow' to disabled people.

> vicious blow
## Green Party criticism
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick called cuts a 'shovel money upwards, starve everyone else' policy.

> shovel money upwards, starve everyone else
## Labour's response
Labour's finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds called ACT's plan 'punching down'.
## Key takeaway

ACT plans to cut disability benefits by $653 million over four years, sparking criticism from opposition parties and disability advocates.