Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is a senior reporter and feature writer at The Big Issue. She reports on a wide range of issues across social affairs and culture. Isabella was awarded Best News Story at the Anti-Slavery Day Awards in 2025. She was also a winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards in 2023, formerly known as the 30 under 30, and was shortlisted for journalist of the year in the Scope Disability Awards 2024. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
'It makes me want to scream': PIP changes could be 'tragic' for disabled people, DWP warned
mel stride/ dwp
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'
dwp/ mel stride
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
money/ dwp/ benefits
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'
un/ uk government
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
PIP and schizophrenia/ Pauline
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
dwp/ bank accounts spying
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
digital inequality/ child with device
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
learning disability hospital/ sarah
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
unclaimed benefits/ dwp
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
A miniature figurine businessman looking down on an information booklet for department for work and pensions
Benefits

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

Long-term sickness cannot be fixed by tightening 'harsh' disability benefits system, experts warn
long term sickness/ ill
Benefits

Long-term sickness cannot be fixed by tightening 'harsh' disability benefits system, experts warn