The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced significant cuts to the Universal Credit health element, affecting thousands of disabled claimants. Starting Monday, new Universal Credit claimants assessed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) will see their health element support halved—from approximately £100 per week to £50. This equates to an annual loss of around £2,600.
Under the revised regulations, new claimants will receive £217.26 per month, a sharp decrease from the previous rate of £429.80. Importantly, existing claimants will continue to receive the higher rate for now.
These changes directly impact some of the most vulnerable groups in society. Evan John, Policy Advisor at Sense, emphasized that benefits serve as a crucial lifeline for disabled individuals, especially amid rising living costs such as energy bills. He criticized the government’s decision, warning it may signal further future cuts to benefits for disabled people aged 16 to 21, regardless of their needs.
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Sense highlighted the potential for such cuts to have devastating consequences, particularly for those with complex disabilities. They stressed that reducing this support will not increase employment opportunities for young disabled people but could instead deepen poverty and social isolation.
Supporting this view, a spokesperson from disability charity Scope explained that the health element acknowledges the increased challenges and expenses disabled people often face when seeking employment. The cuts, they argue, will make it harder for disabled individuals to find and maintain work.
Labour Party Social Security Minister Sir Stephen Timms acknowledged systemic barriers within the welfare system that have historically excluded disabled people and those with long-term conditions from employment. He affirmed a commitment to restructuring welfare to better support people into work and help them build a more secure future.