More than 150,000 adults living with disabilities are set to receive an additional £400 annually to assist with living expenses following the government’s recent announcement. The Minimum Income Guarantee for working-age adults who are under social care will see a 7% increase above inflation. This adjustment, known as the MIG, is applicable to individuals receiving social care support from local authorities, excluding care home residents.
Despite the necessity of social care services, some individuals have to cover part or all of the costs using their disability benefits. This situation often leaves affected individuals with minimal funds for essential needs such as food, clothing, utility bills, and insurance. The lack of previous inflation adjustments to the minimum income threshold has resulted in significant financial challenges for many individuals.
Under the provisions of the Care Act 2014, any charges for social care should not reduce a person’s income below a specified level. To address concerns regarding this issue, the Department for Health and Social Care has confirmed a 7% increase in the MIG starting from April. This adjustment represents the most substantial above-inflation rise in over a decade, providing working-age adults with at least £400 more annually. Those eligible for the disability premium, an additional benefit for individuals with higher disability needs, will receive up to £510 more per year.
Furthermore, the government has allocated £723 million for the Disabled Facilities Grant in the upcoming year to assist older and disabled individuals in modifying their homes for safe and independent living. Examples of eligible modifications include stairlifts, ramps, widened doorways, and accessible bathroom facilities.
The current statutory limit for the grant is £30,000, with local authorities having the discretion to exceed this limit when deemed necessary. The largest share of the new funding, amounting to £124.3 million, will be allocated to councils in the North East, followed by £115 million in the South East and nearly £96 million in London.
Labour Care Minister Stephen Kinnock emphasized the government’s commitment to reforming adult social care to support vulnerable individuals facing daily challenges. The increase in financial support for disabled adults and funding for home adaptations aims to enhance quality, fairness, and dignity in the care services provided. Jon Sparkes, chief executive of the learning disabilities charity Mencap, commended the decision to raise the Minimum Income Guarantee by 7%, highlighting the positive impact on individuals accessing social care services. Mencap’s advocacy for fair social care practices aligns with the goal of ensuring that no individual with a learning disability has to utilize their benefits for care expenses.
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