"Cuts to universal credit's health element threaten to push some of the most seriously ill and disabled people in the country to the brink. The higher rate of support will only be available to new claimants whose condition is lifelong and shows no prospect of improvement."
"The government says it's protecting people with the most severe conditions, but in reality, this actively excludes swathes of severely ill and disabled people."
Starting in April, the health element of universal credit will be halved and frozen for new claimants unless their condition is terminal or severe and lifelong. Charities warn that many debilitating conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and long Covid, may not meet the strict eligibility criteria. This could leave seriously ill individuals on a lower benefit rate, despite their inability to work. The government's criteria may exclude those with conditions that could improve, putting vulnerable populations at risk of financial hardship.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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