Disability benefits change means my son could lose £200 a month – it’s terrifying

A mother’s fear over financial cuts

Erika Lye, a devoted mother, is the constant source of joy for her two sons, Logan and Jack, but her worries about finances have grown. The UK government has introduced a policy shift that reduces the health-related Universal Credit supplement for new claimants to half the previous rate, effective 6 April. This adjustment could leave her family facing a significant financial challenge.

Logan, 20, has cerebral palsy and learning disabilities, and Jack, 16, is autistic and non-verbal. While Logan’s application for the health top-up was processed in 2025, Jack will only be eligible to apply after 6 April when he finishes home schooling. This means he might receive £200 less monthly, a prospect that keeps Erika awake at night.

“I am so concerned. Families like mine are going to be pushed to: ‘I’ve got to put my child into care because I can’t even feed them.'” – Erika Lye

Government rationale for the change

A DWP spokesperson stated that the Universal Credit system had “forced too many people to be written off, left behind, and denied the opportunities to build better lives for themselves and their families.” The government claims this reform will “increase the incentive to work, ensure sick or disabled people can access genuine support, and bear down on the cost of living by boosting the standard rate of Universal Credit,” aiming to save £1bn by 2030/31.

The changes also apply to young people under 16 or those still in education on 6 April, requiring them to wait until after that date to apply. However, exceptions exist for individuals nearing the end of life or meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria, which the DWP says must be confirmed by a healthcare professional as lifelong and irreversible conditions.

Impact on vulnerable families

Despite the government’s argument, welfare advocates warn of the strain on families. Derek Sinclair, a senior welfare rights expert from the charity Contact, called the cuts a “massive financial blow.” He noted that many households pool resources to cover therapies, equipment, and activities for disabled children, and the reduction could exacerbate existing hardships.

“I think in a lot of cases, the money’s all being pooled together as one household kitty to help meet whatever expenses the disabled child has,” – Derek Sinclair

According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 50% of Universal Credit health top-up recipients struggle to heat their homes, fall behind on bills, or face low food security. About 900,000 children live in households where someone receives this support. The foundation emphasized that younger recipients are “at even greater risk of hardship.”

“The government should instead be ensuring that Universal Credit is at least enough to afford essentials,” – Iain Porter, senior policy adviser

The impact statement cited by the government acknowledged that the health top-up was a key factor for some recipients not returning to work. It noted that 1.9 million people received the supplement in 2019/2020, with projections suggesting it could rise to three million by 2029/30. Yet, critics argue the overnight implementation of the change worsens an already unjust situation.