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
Parents face uncertainty as new Universal Credit rules take effect
Erika Lye, a mother of two, describes herself as the family’s source of joy, radiating positivity for her sons Logan, 20, and Jack, 16. However, the financial stability of her household has become a source of constant worry. A recent reform to the health component of Universal Credit threatens to reduce her son Jack’s monthly support by £200, a loss that has left her feeling deeply anxious.
Beginning on 6 April, the health-related supplement of Universal Credit will see new applicants receive half the amount currently awarded. Existing claimants get £429.80 monthly, but those applying after this date will only get £217.26. The government aims to save £1bn by 2030/31 through this adjustment, arguing it will encourage more people to work and reduce living costs by raising the standard rate of support.
“We’re bringing forward these reforms to increase the incentive to work, ensure sick or disabled people get real support, and tackle the cost of living,” a DWP spokesperson stated.
Logan Lye, who has cerebral palsy and learning disabilities, is already receiving the full £429.80. His younger brother Jack, autistic and non-verbal, will only qualify after 6 April when he completes homeschooling. This means Jack’s monthly benefit will drop by £200, creating a significant gap in their family’s finances. Erika fears this could force her to consider placing one of her children in care to manage expenses.
Exceptions and concerns over the policy shift
The new rules have exceptions, such as for those nearing the end of life or meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria. These cases will continue to receive the higher rate, as determined by healthcare professionals. However, the criteria for these exceptions remain unclear, leaving Erika uncertain whether Jack will qualify.
“Derek Sinclair, a senior welfare rights expert at Contact, warned that this change will be a massive financial blow. Families often pool their resources to cover the needs of disabled children, and without this support, they may miss out on essential therapies, equipment, and activities,” he said.
The government’s impact assessment highlighted that many recipients struggle to meet basic needs on the standard £400 monthly allowance. The health top-up, worth an extra £400, was seen as a key factor in keeping people in work. However, projections suggest the number of recipients could rise from 1.9 million in 2019/20 to three million by 2029/30.
“This is bad for people, bad for businesses, and bad for the economy. We know that good work is good for people’s mental and physical health,” the impact statement noted.
Senior policy adviser Iain Porter criticized the abrupt implementation, calling it “an unjust situation even worse.” He argued the government should prioritize ensuring Universal Credit covers essential expenses like food, heating, and bills. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation reported that 50% of those receiving the health top-up face financial hardship, with 900,000 children living in households where someone relies on it. Younger recipients, in particular, are at higher risk of struggling.
