Millions to be forced into work under strict new benefits rules – will you be affected?
MILLIONS of Brits will be forced into work or face their benefits being drastically cut under a new crackdown, it was confirmed today.
People with mobility and mental health problems could see their benefits slashed by nearly £4,680 if they fail to look for jobs they can do from home.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed the latest welfare crackdown in today’s Autumn Statement.
The new approach will apply to all new benefit claimants from 2025.
Existing claimants will also get assurances that their right to benefits will not be reassessed if they look for a work-from-home job.
The decision is said to be based on evidence that over half those in the 2.4 million sick and disabled group who want to work do not try because they are worried about being reassessed if it does not work out.
In September, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride launched a consultation on plans to tighten the Government’s “work capability assessment”, which determines whether someone is eligible to claim universal credit instead of working.
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The response to the consultation has been published alongside the Government’s Autumn Statement.
Currently, individuals who are unable to walk 50 meters without assistance qualify for the “limited capability for work and work-related activity” category.
This status exempts them from the requirement to seek employment.
However, Mr Hunt announced the “mobility” criterion will be scrapped.
In his speech, the Chancellor also confirmed he will raise benefits by 6.7 per cent, aligning with September’s inflation rate.
There had been speculation the Chancellor would choose the October’s 4.6 per cent inflation figure as it would have saved the Government around £3 billion.
In a “turbo-charged” mini-Budget, Mr Hunt also confirmed plans to cut National Insurance for workers and boost the minimum wage to £11.44.
That’s a pay rise of more than a quid for more than three million of the lowest paid.
With the triple lock untouched, the state pension is also set to increase by 8.5 per cent, keeping in step with the usual earnings measurement.
And drinkers will breathe a sigh of relief as an alcohol duty freeze means pints, spirits and wine prices will not be hiked heading into the Christmas party season.