According to the government's latest plan, individuals under the age of 22 with long-term illnesses or disabilities will no longer be able to claim the health component of Universal Credit. This measure is part of a welfare system reform announced by Employment Secretary Liz Kendall, aimed at curbing Britain's growing welfare expenditure. The government believes these changes are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the welfare system.
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03-20, 2025Currently, approximately 66,000 young people aged 18 to 21 are claiming this benefit. The government states that the funds saved by discontinuing this allowance will be reinvested in youth training programs. Kendall argues that these reforms will bring "fairness" to those with long-term illnesses and disabilities, but disability rights advocates have labeled them as "dangerous cuts." These advocates fear the changes will negatively impact vulnerable young people.
Under the existing system, individuals aged 18 and over but below the state pension age in England, Wales, and Scotland can receive disability benefits in addition to Universal Credit if assessed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as unable to work due to illness. However, a document released by the DWP on Tuesday proposes raising this age to 22. The document also suggests increasing the age for claiming adult disability benefits, namely Personal Independence Payment (PIP), from 18.
The government is seeking feedback on these proposals, along with other reform suggestions outlined in a white paper, with a deadline at the end of June. These reforms do not affect Northern Ireland, which has a different system where most benefits are distributed through the Jobs and Benefits Offices managed by the Department for Communities. These reforms are part of a broader effort by the Labour party to cut spending, aiming to reduce the number of people claiming disability benefits, a figure projected to reach a historic high by the end of the decade.
Experts suggest that the increased numbers are due to deteriorating mental health since the pandemic, as well as a rising retirement age, leading some individuals to claim disability benefits instead. However, Disability Rights UK states that prohibiting those under 22 from claiming the health component of Universal Credit and raising the assessment age "marks a dangerous cut to all disabled people." The charity added that the package of reforms "is not about supporting disabled people into employment, but about making cruel and reckless cuts." The organization is urging the government to reconsider these proposals.
