Benefit changes: the Welfare Reform Act 2012

This document outlines some of the key benefits changes taking place and the potential impact these will have on people with a learning disability and their families. The UK welfare system has recently seen one of the biggest shake-ups since its introduction, with a government focus on the creation of a fairer more affordable benefits system. The Government is seeking savings of £18 billion from the benefits bill by 2014/15. Many of these savings were introduced through the Welfare Reform Act 2012. Recently, the Chancellor outlined a further £3.7 billion of benefits savings on top of this. In particular, he announced that most benefits will be increased each year by 1% for the next 3 years. This is below inflation and will mean, as costs of living go up, benefits will be worth less and people may face hardship. Mencap is particularly concerned that this 1% benefit up-rating will also apply to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), even though this benefit is for sick and disabled people, many of whom are unable to work.