Disability benefit reforms will increase social care demand and poverty, say practitioners

Social workers believe the government’s proposed changes to disability benefits will put greater pressure on social care services and increase poverty, a poll has found.

Under the plans, eligibility for personal independence payment (PIP) – the main disability benefit for working-age people – will be tightened and cuts made to incapacity benefits.

A government impact assessment of the cuts predicted that over three million families would lose an average of £1,720 per year in real terms by 2029-30.

Average loss of £4,500 a year for some disabled people

This includes 370,000 current and 430,000 potential future claimants of the daily living allowance element of PIP, who are expected to lose £4,500 a year on average by the end of the decade, with 150,000 carers also facing a loss of benefit. 

Balanced against that, the government plans to invest an extra £1bn a year in employment support for disabled people, in order to support more into work and boost their incomes.

A Community Care poll with roughly 1,000 votes found that most respondents (87%) believed the government’s plan would lead to greater poverty and more demand for social care services.

Only 7% said it would increase employment levels for disabled people, and 6% reported it would have no effect.

‘I don’t get breaks or holidays’

Various carers took to the comments to share their dismay at the government’s lack of support and financial backing for disabled citizens.

H Keeler, who spends more than 35 hours a week caring for a family member, was anxious about making do with less than £600 per month through universal credit.

“I am on standby 24/7 in case of an emergency. I don’t get breaks or holidays and have to travel every day to help. Two years ago I was also caring for my mother but you can only claim for one person,” they said.

Sheri, the sole carer of her mother and younger sister, while battling health problems of her own, said she hadn’t had a holiday in 15 years.

“There’s no one there to pick us up when we fall ill. I look after [my] mother, who has severe rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease, and my younger sister, who has learning disabilities.”

‘Without our car, it would be impossible’

Others were concerned that benefit cuts would mean giving up vital equipment that facilitated daily transport and activities.

Martin Carr, whose wife has Alzheimer’s disease and severe bowel and bladder problems, was troubled by the possibility that he might have to lose his mobility car. 

“If we didn’t have the car it would be impossible to take my wife anywhere. If she has an accident while in the car, it’s not so embarrassing for her. I can pull over where convenient to change her,” he said.

“If we got our benefits cut and lost the car, there is no way my wife could manage to catch three buses to appointments and three back with no toilets anywhere.” 

He argued that, as a full-time carer, he was saving the government thousands of pounds a week on care costs.

“I’m having to give up my life as I can’t do anything now. All my time is [about] being a carer. I myself have [a lung disease] and mental health problems, and sometimes really struggle. The government is without a doubt wrong – disabled people deserve more, not less.”

‘Not everyone can survive on one meal a day’

Tracy Jackson, who receives disability living allowance (DLA) care and mobility payments, added that benefits cuts would only bring isolation and exacerbate mental health issues.

“I use a mobility car and without it, I would be housebound. [The cuts] are likely to increase unemployment and put a bigger burden on health professionals due to mental health because being housebound is stressful,” she added.

“I was housebound for six months a few years ago; I couldn’t shop, visit friends or family, or even get to the doctor. I had to ask others to pick up my meds. I’m someone who [can go] without when I want something, but not everyone can survive on one meal a day. It’s a basic right that they should be able to afford.”

Pressure on mental health services

Another commentator said the proposed changes would also add pressure on mental health services. 

“Families facing the loss of disability benefits may also find themselves struggling with increased stress and anxiety, which can lead to a decline in their overall wellbeing,” they said.

“This could be particularly relevant for individuals with mental health conditions, who may depend on these benefits for financial support and access to necessary treatments.”