Story perspectives

Universal Credit Cuts 50% for New Claimants, Families Struggle

4/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Starting April 6, the health element of universal credit will drop 50% for new claimants, from £423 to £217 monthly.
Erika Lye, mother of two disabled sons, says the cuts will worsen her family finances, already down £750 monthly.
Disability charity Contact warns changes could severely affect families' access to necessary support for young disabled individuals, while the government says those with severe conditions will still receive higher payments.

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Story summary

Starting April 6, the health element of universal credit will drop 50% for new claimants, from £423 to £217 monthly.
Erika Lye, mother of two disabled sons, says the cuts will worsen her family finances, already down £750 monthly.
Disability charity Contact warns changes could severely affect families' access to necessary support for young disabled individuals, while the government says those with severe conditions will still receive higher payments.