£400 Annual Cash Increase Announced for Disabled Adults Facing Cost of Living Pressures
A significant financial support package has been unveiled by the government, targeting working-age adults with disabilities who are grappling with rising living costs. The initiative will see approximately 150,000 individuals retain an additional £400 each year, providing much-needed relief from financial strain.
Enhanced Minimum Income Guarantee and Home Adaptation Funding
Central to this announcement is a 7% increase in the minimum income guarantee, effective from April 2026. This policy ensures that working-age adults receiving social care can keep more of their income after covering home care expenses. For those eligible for the disability premium, which supports individuals with greater needs, the annual boost could reach up to £510.
In addition to the cash increase, the government has allocated £700 million to fund home adaptations. This investment aims to help older and disabled people live safely and independently, addressing practical barriers to their well-being.
Government Commitment to Social Care Reform
Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, emphasized the government's dedication to reforming adult social care while supporting vulnerable populations. He stated, "We are determined to not only reform adult social care but do it in a way that helps some of the most vulnerable people in society with the daily pressures they face."
Kinnock added, "From April, more than 150,000 disabled adults will keep hundreds of pounds more each year - putting extra money back into their pockets to help with everyday costs. At the same time, we are putting more money into funding life-changing home adaptations so older and disabled people can live safely and independently."
Positive Response from Advocacy Groups
Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Mencap, welcomed the announcement, highlighting its importance for individuals with learning disabilities. He said, "The government’s decision to uprate the minimum income guarantee for working-age disabled adults accessing social care by 7% is good news. We are pleased that ministers have listened to people with a learning disability about how social care charging impacts upon their household costs and overall wellbeing."
Sparkes noted that Mencap has long campaigned for such changes, pointing out that rates had previously stagnated, leading to hardship. He described the 7% increase as "a welcome step in the right direction" toward the ultimate goal of free social care at the point of need.
Broader Implications for Social Care Policy
This move is part of the government's wider strategy to establish a national care service focused on quality, fairness, and dignity. By increasing financial support and funding home adaptations, the initiative addresses both immediate cost-of-living challenges and long-term independence for disabled adults.
The announcement underscores a shift toward more responsive social care policies, aiming to alleviate financial burdens and improve living conditions for some of society's most vulnerable members.
