DWP plans could see thousands of Universal Credit claimants lose almost £100 a week

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has proposed new plans that could result in thousands of Universal Credit claimants losing nearly £100 each week. Disability Rights UK is battling against government proposals to eliminate access to the health component of Universal Credit, now referred to as the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element, for most adults aged 16-21.
This would apply to those within this age bracket who claim the benefit independently. Campaigners argue that if the proposal is approved, almost 110,000 disabled young adults could lose nearly £100 each week, reports Nottinghamshire Live.
Contact, a charity that assists families with disabled children, says that this could have a "devastating financial impact not only on disabled young adults who are not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), but also on many who are in education or low-paid employment". It further states that DWP plans push "disabled young adults and their families further away from employment prospects and further into poverty".
The Green Paper recognises that the government needs to "consider what special provisions need to be put in place for those young people where engagement with work or training is not a realistic prospect".
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, stated in a speech on May 21: "Those with the most severe, life-long conditions that will never improve and who can never work will have their Universal Credit protected, including young people aged under 22."
However, campaigners argue that the criteria for severe conditions have an "extremely high threshold". The proposed changes are set to take effect in the 2027/28 financial year.
The Green Paper is also seeking views on extending Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to 18 year olds, rather than stopping it at 16, a move that has Contact's backing.
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