Disability benefits change means my son could lose £200 a month – it’s terrifying
Disability benefits change means my son could lose £200 a month – it’s terrifying
Erika Lye, a devoted mother, is often described as the “sunshine” of her home, bringing joy to her sons Logan, 20, and Jack, 16. Yet, she harbors deep fears about financial stability within their household. The recent alteration to the health component of Universal Credit has left her anxious, as it could push her family over a financial “cliff edge.”
Policy adjustments take effect
Following months of political debate on benefits last year, the initial adjustments to the health top-up of Universal Credit are now being implemented. Starting Monday, April 6, new applicants for this additional payment will initially receive half the monthly amount that current recipients currently obtain. The government aims to save £1 billion by 2030/31 by reducing payments from £429.80 to £217.26 per month for new claimants, while maintaining the standard Universal Credit rate.
“That’s why we’re bringing forward these reforms – increasing the incentive to work, ensuring sick or disabled people can access genuine support, and bearing down on the cost of living by boosting the standard rate of Universal Credit,” a spokesperson said.
Logan, who has cerebral palsy and learning disabilities, will qualify for the full £429.80 monthly payment once he applies in 2025. However, Jack, autistic and non-verbal, will only be eligible after April 6 when he finishes homeschooling, resulting in a potential £200 monthly loss.
Exceptions apply for those applying after April 6 but with a terminal illness or meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria, as determined by healthcare professionals. The DWP explains that the criteria will require a healthcare professional to confirm that an individual’s condition is lifelong and not likely to improve, ensuring they meet the LCWRA standards.
Impact on families and experts’ concerns
The government’s impact assessment highlighted that the standard allowance of £400 for a single person is insufficient, with the health top-up of £400 serving as a disincentive to work. It stated, “Good work contributes positively to both mental and physical health.”
Erika expressed her anxiety, stating, “Families like mine are being forced into difficult choices: ‘I have to place my child in care because I can’t afford to feed them.'” She fears the change will strain her household budget, making it harder to cover expenses for her disabled children.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation reported that 50% of recipients rely on the health top-up to cover basic needs like heating, utilities, or food. They also noted that 900,000 children reside in households where a member receives the top-up, with younger recipients facing heightened risks of hardship.
Iain Porter, a senior policy adviser, emphasized that the abrupt implementation of these changes exacerbates an already unfair situation, urging the government to ensure Universal Credit covers essential living expenses.
