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

Fear of Financial Instability

Erika Lye, a mother of two, is often described as the “sunshine” of her household, bringing joy to her sons Logan, 20, and Jack, 16. However, her worries about money run deep. She’s anxious that a recent alteration to the health component of Universal Credit could plunge her family into financial uncertainty. The policy change, which took effect on Monday, 6 April, affects new applicants for the health top-up, a crucial support for those unable to work due to disability or ill health.

Under the new rules, fresh claimants will receive only half the amount currently given to existing recipients. The government estimates this could save £1bn by 2030/31, reducing monthly payments from £429.80 to £217.26. A DWP spokesperson emphasized that the reform aims to “increase the incentive to work, ensure sick or disabled individuals get proper support, and reduce living costs by raising the standard Universal Credit rate.” They added that the system had “forced too many people to be written off, left behind, and denied the chance to build better lives for themselves and their families.”

Impact on Family Members

Logan Lye has cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. He applied for the health top-up in 2025 and will be eligible for the full £429.80 monthly payment. But his younger brother Jack, who is autistic and non-verbal, will only qualify after 6 April, once he completes homeschooling. This delay could mean Jack receives £200 less per month, a fact that keeps Erika awake at night.

“I am so concerned. Families like mine are being pushed to consider putting their child into care because we can’t even afford basic necessities,” she said.

Some exceptions apply to the change. Those nearing the end of life or meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria will still get the higher rate. The DWP stated this requires healthcare professionals to “confirm that their level of function will always meet LCWRA standards,” implying lifelong conditions with no recovery prospects. Yet, the exact criteria remain unclear, leaving Erika uncertain whether Jack will qualify.

Broader Economic and Social Concerns

The government’s impact assessment highlighted that the health top-up, which adds £400 to the standard Universal Credit allowance of £400, was a key reason some people chose not to work. It noted that 1.9 million individuals received the top-up in 2019/2020, with projections suggesting this number could rise to three million by 2029/30.

Derek Sinclair, a senior welfare rights expert from the charity Contact, warned that the change would be a “massive financial blow.” He explained that many families pool their resources to cover the costs of therapies, equipment, and activities for disabled children. “We already know families with disabled children are struggling financially. This could make it harder for them to afford essentials,” he said.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation reported that 50% of Universal Credit health top-up recipients face challenges such as inability to heat their homes, delayed bills, or limited access to food. Over 900,000 children live in households where this support is received. Senior policy adviser Iain Porter criticized the overnight implementation, calling it “an unjust situation made even worse.” “The government should ensure Universal Credit covers essential living costs,” he added.