Major changes to disability benefits for new claimants are being introduced in the north of England.
The existing system of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being phased out and replaced by Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
The government says the existing model is outdated and needs to be reformed, and that benefits are not being cut.
But disability charity Scope says 600,000 people will eventually lose their financial support.
Other critics argue that those losing out will find it harder to be part of their communities.
PIPs will be introduced gradually for new claimants in Merseyside, north-west England, Cumbria, Cheshire and north-east England.
Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show that more 70% of claimants get DLA for life.
But ministers believe the circumstances of some individuals can improve over time, so there is a case for more regular assessment.
Minister for Disabled People Esther McVey said the PIP would give more targeted support to those who need it most.
"Disability Living Allowance is an outdated benefit introduced over 20 years ago and needs reform to better reflect today's understanding of disability," she said.
"At the moment the vast majority of claimants get the benefit for life without any systematic reassessments and around 50% of decisions are made on the basis of the claim form alone - without any additional corroborating medical evidence.
"The Personal Independence Payment will include a new face-to-face assessment and regular reviews - something missing in the current system. This will ensure the billions we spend give more targeted support to those who need it most."
Phased introductionNew claimants in the north of England will now begin face-to face assessments with ATOS - one of two companies administering the process.
From June new claims will begin in the rest of the country and in October, some of those currently receiving will start moving to the new system, if there is a change in their circumstances or an existing award ends.
But it will be two years before most of the 3.3 million existing claimants begin moving over to PIP.
Scope says a "financial lifeline is being cut", but the government says it will continue to spend the same amount on the benefit in 2015 as it does now.
Richard Hawkes, chief executive of Scope, said: "In 2013 disabled people are struggling to make ends meet. Life costs more if you're disabled. But this year living costs are spiralling and income is flat-lining. Disabled people are getting into debt to pay for essentials.
"What's the government's response? It is cutting a financial life-line for disabled people, which helps them meet the extra costs of day-to-day living when you have a disability. The reform is fundamentally flawed.
"DLA needs reforming and could be better targeted to meet the extra costs people face. But disabled people are frightened by the government's plans. They believe it's just an excuse to cut their support."
Other changes to the benefits system include the Universal Credit scheme, which will replace benefits including income support and housing benefit with a single payment.
The first trial of the system begins on 29 April in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.
Other changes came into place on 1 April, including a cap of £26,000 of benefits per household and payment reductions for those deemed to have a "spare bedroom".
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