The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has put forward a proposal that could significantly affect thousands of young disabled people in the UK. If passed, the planned changes would strip under-22 Universal Credit claimants of a vital health-related benefit, the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element.
This proposed reform has raised alarm bells among charities and disability advocacy groups, as it stands to drastically reduce the weekly financial support received by disabled claimants who rely on it to cover the additional challenges they face in securing and maintaining employment.
What the Proposed Changes Mean for Universal Credit Claimants
Under the current system, Universal Credit recipients aged 16-21 can access a health-related component known as the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element. This financial support is designed to assist individuals who face challenges in securing and maintaining employment due to health conditions or disabilities.
However, a proposal by the DWP seeks to remove this benefit for those under 22 years old, which could have a devastating impact on many young disabled people.
According to Disability Rights UK, nearly 110,000 disabled adults in Britain stand to lose up to £97 a week if the reforms go ahead. This is a significant drop in income for individuals already struggling due to their health conditions.
Impact on Young Disabled People and the Broader Debate
Charities like Disability Rights UK, Contact, and Special Needs Jungle have voiced strong opposition to the proposed reforms.
The groups argue that the removal of the health element will disproportionately affect disabled young people who are part of the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) group. These individuals often face considerable barriers when navigating the job market and rely on Universal Credit to make ends meet.
According to these organisations, the government’s plan risks exacerbating financial hardships for disabled young people, particularly those who are attempting to work part-time or in low-paid jobs while still claiming Universal Credit.
For example, some of those who have managed to transition into employment could find themselves with significantly reduced support, making it harder to maintain stable work and living conditions.
Campaigners also highlight that young disabled individuals are often unable to access or complete higher education and may face greater difficulties than their non-disabled peers. The changes are seen by some as an attempt to push young people into the workforce without providing the necessary support systems for those with health-related limitations.
The proposal has sparked a national conversation about the government’s approach to disability support and the future of Universal Credit. Many advocates are calling on MPs to vote against the changes, urging the government to reconsider its stance and instead strengthen support for disabled young people.
