Benefits: Changes 'To Hit Disabled People'

[Jazzy]

Up to half a million disabled people and their families could be worse off under the new system of Universal Credit once it is fully implemented, according to a report.



It suggested some people might even be forced out of their homes as a result of the changes.



An inquiry headed by former wheelchair athlete Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson said several key groups would lose out under the Universal Credit, which will start to replace much of the benefits and tax credits system from next year.



The study used research showing that once the changes are fully in place, 100,000 disabled children stand to lose up to £28 a week, 230,000 severely disabled people who do not have another adult to help them could receive between £28 and £58 a week less, and up to 116,000 disabled people who work could be at risk of losing around £40 a week.



The report said the impact of the cuts in support for disabled children could be extremely severe for families currently receiving the mid-rate care component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), a payment made where a child can be severely disabled but does not need care overnight.



Of those families affected, one in 10 expressed fears that they could no longer afford their own home, while two thirds said they would have to cut back on food, and more than a half said it would lead them into debt.



In some of the most severe cases, some families said the changes to support for disabled children could result in their children having to be placed in full-time residential care.



The report said 83% of those eligible for the severe disability premium (SDP), which will be abolished under the changes, reported that a reduction in benefit levels would mean they would have to cut back on food and 80% said they would have to cut the amount they spent on heating.

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This is very sad when these poor people depend on these benefits.



Do any of you know someone that will be affected due to these benefit changes?