In future every person will undergo an independent assessment of their medical condition - and the decision will then dictate which rate of payment they receive.

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Along with similar measures previously enacted in 23 other states, the legislation prohibits contracts that make payment of union dues a condition of employment.

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"Borrowers will not be required to execute a waiver of any legal claims they may have against their servicer as a condition for receiving payment, " the OCC said, leaving the door open for more legal action.

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It also introduces tougher sanctions for those who refuse work and replaces the disability living allowance with a new Personal Independence Payment, which requires claimants to go through regular assessments of how their condition affects them.

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The bill also introduces tougher sanctions for those who refuse work and replaces the disability living allowance with a new Personal Independence Payment, which requires claimants to go through regular assessments of how their condition affects them.

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