The UK Government has announced that 300,000 sick and disabled people will receive support under the Universal Credit Act, which passed royal assent on Wednesday.
The reforms aim to help people move from dependency on benefits to secure jobs, though some parts of the plan were revised due to political opposition.
Key Changes in the Universal Credit Act
The new law will increase the universal credit standard allowance in line with inflation until 2029/30, benefiting many claimants.
However, for new claimants, the health part of the benefit will be reduced after April 2026, unless they have a severe or terminal condition, and the rate will be frozen until 2030.
£338 Million to Help 300,000 People Find Work
On Thursday, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed an exciting new initiative: a £338 million investment to help 300,000 people find work.
This money will be spent on the “connect to work” programme, which aims to support people with sick or disabled conditions, or those who face complex barriers to work.
Table: Key Areas Covered by the Scheme
| Area | Support Offered | Targeted Beneficiaries | Funding Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | Job matching, coaching, and ongoing work support | Sick, disabled, or people with barriers to work | Part of £338 million |
| South Yorkshire | Personalized coaching and employment assistance | Individuals facing complex barriers | Part of £338 million |
| Greater Essex | Tailored localised support to improve job access | Sick and disabled individuals | Part of £338 million |
| Wales & other areas | Access to tailored support in local communities | 300,000 people across England and Wales | Part of £338 million |
This programme will offer tailored support in 15 areas across England, including cities such as London, South Yorkshire, and Greater Essex. The Government said that around 85,000 people will benefit from this program, receiving personalized help like job matching services, coaching from employment specialists, and ongoing support once they start working.
How Will the Programme Help?
This investment aims to help sick and disabled people find work by providing tailored, local support. They can be referred by healthcare professionals, local authorities, or voluntary organizations, or apply independently to access job opportunities and assistance.
A Plan for Change
Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, stated that this investment is part of a “Plan for Change” to help people escape poverty and find stable jobs.
She highlighted that many have been denied the support needed to regain health and work, which harms their living standards, families, and the economy.
The Government hopes that by offering personalized support, people will be able to achieve better standards of living, ultimately reducing poverty and improving the lives of those affected.
This is a significant shift in how the UK handles welfare and disability benefits.
The Universal Credit Act is a key change in the UK’s welfare system, with a £338 million investment in the “connect to work” programme to help 300,000 sick and disabled people find jobs and escape poverty.
Despite controversy over reduced health benefits for new claimants, the aim is to provide long-term, secure employment.
By offering more personalized support, the Government hopes to give people the tools they need to succeed in the workforce and improve their quality of life. This initiative could make a huge difference to those facing barriers to work.
FAQs
What is the “connect to work” programme?
The “connect to work” programme helps sick and disabled people find jobs by offering personalized support, job matching, and coaching.
When will the health part of Universal Credit be reduced?
The health part of Universal Credit will be reduced for new claimants starting in April 2026, unless they have a severe or terminal condition.
How many people will benefit from the Universal Credit Act’s reforms?
Around 300,000 sick and disabled people will benefit from the new support under the Universal Credit Act over the next five years.