Today’s announcement that incapacity benefits will be frozen in a bid to make further cuts to the welfare budget will be another body-blow for people suffering from mental ill-health and long-term disabilities. People who are already struggling to make ends meet could be pushed to the edge.
In addition to halving the amount of health element of Universal Credit for new claimants, the Chancellor has also confirmed today that existing claimants will see their entitlement frozen at £97 a week until 2029-30, after which it will rise to £106 per week instead of £107 as previously announced. These changes will make people’s mental health worse and will ultimately cost the country more.
Those under 22 will no longer be able to claim the incapacity benefit top-up of Universal Credit, in a move that suggests disability and life-limiting illness is age-dependent. This is yet another myth that the Government’s action will perpetuate not challenge, much like the idea that those on benefits are actually fit to work.
While we agree with the principle of providing support to people to access work where it is appropriate, this approach fails to recognise that for many people work is simply not an option.
Stricter eligibility and cuts in a system that’s already failing to adequately accommodate people with the challenges of conditions like Schizophrenia and Bipolar brings added uncertainty and stress for vulnerable people who are already struggling to make ends meet and maintain their independence.
The system is already unfit for purpose and cutting vital support while failing to invest in mental health services risks pushing people into poverty and making their mental health even worse.