Cost of Living: Disability

(asked on 25th January 2022) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what financial support he is providing to people with disabilities to help them cope with the rising cost of living.


Answered by
Simon Clarke Portrait
Simon Clarke
This question was answered on 1st February 2022

The government is forecast to spend over £58 billion in 21/22 on benefits to support disabled people in Great Britain. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is the government’s primary means of supporting working-age adults with the extra costs arising from having a disability and is paid regardless of income and irrespective of whether someone is in work. The government will spend over £12.2 billion to support 2.1 million people on PIP in 21/22. Those who have a disability or health condition which limits their ability to work can get additional support through Universal Credit (UC) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). For those with limited capability for work or work-related activity, this includes an additional component in UC, worth £79.30 per week.

The government is also providing support worth around £12 billion this financial year and next to help with the cost of living. This includes the £500 million Household Support Fund to help vulnerable households with costs for essentials such as energy bills, food, clothing, and utilities over the winter. The Household Support Fund adds to the support already in place to help those on low incomes with the cost of living, including:

  • £140 million in 2021-22 for Discretionary Housing Payments;
  • £670 million in 2021-22 for local authorities to support households struggling with their council tax bills;
  • £200m each year of the Spending Review to continue the Holiday Activities and Food programme; and
  • increasing the value of Healthy Start vouchers.
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