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Universal credit health benefit reform sees cut for new claimants this week
New claimants will get nearly half the health top-up as ministers say the reforms will save taxpayers about £1 billion.
- On Monday, new claimants for the health element of Universal Credit will receive a lower monthly rate of £217.26, marking a significant reduction in welfare payments for this group.
- Social security and disability minister Sir Stephen Timms argued the welfare system has "for too long locked disabled people and people with long-term conditions out of work," targeting what ministers call "perverse incentives."
- Statistics published last month showed 2.7 million people on UC were assessed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity ; the Government stated these modifications will save taxpayers around £1 billion.
- Almost four million households on the standard rate of UC will receive around £295 extra this year, as the Government invests £3.5 billion in employment support to help people "rather than leave people stuck on benefits."
- People with the most severe, lifelong conditions and those nearing the end of life remain exempt, continuing to receive the higher monthly rate of £429.80, while Timms is consulting on Personal Independence Payment with changes postponed.
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Total News Sources27
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Center
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
71% Center
L 25%
C 71%
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