The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced plans to make significant changes to Universal Credit, sparking major concern from disability charities and campaigners.
The reform could strip away nearly £100 a week from thousands of disabled young adults, creating urgent calls for the Government to rethink its strategy.
Currently, young people with health conditions that prevent them from working full-time receive vital financial support through the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element.
Removing this lifeline is feared to leave over 100,000 disabled individuals across Britain struggling with day-to-day living costs.
What the Proposed Reform Involves
Under the new proposal, the LCWRA component of Universal Credit would be removed for claimants aged 16 to 21.
This change means that those who depend on this extra payment to cover their basic living expenses may no longer qualify.
The Government has justified the reform by claiming it will reduce the number of young people categorized as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
According to DWP Minister Liz Kendall, the goal is to encourage young adults into the workforce.
However, critics argue that the measure is misdirected. Research shows that most NEETs are not Universal Credit recipients with LCWRA, making the reform ineffective at achieving its stated goal.
Who Will Lose Out the Most?
Disability charities estimate that nearly 110,000 disabled young adults could see their income fall by up to £97 per week.
This does not just affect those who are unemployed; students and young people already engaged in part-time work or education will also be impacted.
Currently, many students aged 19 and over in non-advanced education can access Universal Credit under specific rules.
With the removal of the LCWRA element, these young people may lose critical financial support needed to stay in education.
Financial Impact on Households
The financial hit from these reforms is substantial.
At present, a disabled young claimant may receive about £170 per week through Universal Credit, including the LCWRA element.
If the changes go ahead, this amount would drop to just £73 weekly — a 40% reduction.
Families are already facing reduced income when a disabled child turns 19 and begins claiming Universal Credit in their own right, losing at least £29.25 per week.
The proposed changes would make this situation far worse, pushing households into deeper financial instability.
Response From Charities and Campaign Groups
Several organisations, including Disability Rights UK, Special Needs Jungle, and Contact, have strongly condemned the reform.
They stress that instead of helping young people find jobs, the policy would punish some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Campaigners have launched petitions and awareness campaigns urging Members of Parliament to block the policy.
They argue that this is not a genuine attempt to address unemployment but rather a cost-cutting exercise that risks worsening poverty levels among disabled youth.
Evidence Against the Reform
Research suggests that 73% of NEETs aged 16 to 24 would not be affected by cutting the LCWRA element.
This shows a clear disconnect between the Government’s stated aim and the reality of who will bear the brunt of the policy.
Many young disabled people already contribute to the economy by working part-time jobs, volunteering, or engaging in training programmes.
The LCWRA element provides the financial stability they need to balance work, education, and health challenges.
Without it, campaigners fear higher dropout rates and reduced participation in education or employment.
Long-Term Consequences
If the policy is implemented, campaigners warn it will create long-term social and financial damage.
Instead of supporting disabled young people to become more independent, the cuts could trap them in a cycle of poverty and exclusion.
Charities argue that there are far better alternatives. Investment in training programmes, disability-friendly employment schemes, and wider access to inclusive education would be more effective than simply cutting financial support.
Calls for Government Rethink
Disability rights organisations are demanding an immediate U-turn from the Government. They stress that welfare reform should be evidence-based and shaped in consultation with the people most affected.
Removing vital support will not create jobs, but it will certainly create hardship. If these reforms pass, the short-term savings for the Treasury could be outweighed by the long-term costs of higher poverty rates, increased demand for social services, and declining health among young disabled people.
The proposed removal of the LCWRA element of Universal Credit for those aged 16 to 21 is set to affect more than 100,000 disabled young adults across the UK.
With incomes falling by nearly £100 a week, the financial blow could force many into deeper hardship.
Charities, campaigners, and disability advocates are warning that this move is misguided, ineffective, and damaging.
Rather than helping young people access work or training, it risks widening inequalities and increasing poverty.
The widespread opposition signals one clear message: this reform needs urgent reconsideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element is an extra financial payment under Universal Credit.
It supports people with serious health conditions or disabilities that limit their ability to work.
Young people aged 16–21 who currently receive the LCWRA element could lose up to £97 per week, cutting their weekly support from about £170 to just £73.
Charities argue the reform unfairly targets disabled youth, increases the risk of poverty, and fails to achieve its intended goal of reducing the number of NEETs.
They are urging the Government to focus on training and inclusive employment schemes instead.
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