How Universal Credit is affecting people with health conditions?
Universal Credit is a welfare benefit designed to support people on a low income, in or out of work, and replace six other benefits including Housing Benefit and Employment Support Allowance. However, the recent changes to the eligibility criteria for Universal Credit have left people with health conditions severely impacted.
Eligibility for Universal Credit and its impact on people with health conditions
To be eligible for Universal Credit, claimants need to provide evidence of their health conditions and how they affect their ability to work. This evidence is reviewed by healthcare professionals working for the Department of Work and Pensions and is used to determine the level of work capabilities.
The implementation of Universal Credit has led to people losing their disability benefits and struggling to make ends meet. The National Audit Office reported that more than a quarter of new claimants waited longer than six weeks for their first payment, leading to severe financial difficulties.
Many people with health conditions have reported being declared “fit for work” despite their disabilities. The decision of the Department of Work and Pensions to use a points-based system that many experts believe to be inflexible and flawed has led to widespread accusations of inadequacy.
Impact on mental health
The impact of Universal Credit on mental health has been particularly severe as many people with mental health conditions are unfairly penalized. The application process has been accused of being lengthy and unnecessarily stressful, leading to mental health difficulties.
Many patients with mental health conditions are being forced to deal with the complex bureaucratic system, which can trigger anxiety and could possibly lead to further mental health problems. Critics of Universal Credit have accused policymakers of neglecting the needs of those with mental health conditions.
Impact on physical health
For those with physical health conditions, the changes in welfare benefits have had significant negative effects. The increased financial pressure has led to many people being unable to afford the recommended treatments for their condition or even their standard daily needs.
Furthermore, the uncertainty over receiving support from the welfare system has led to increased stress, which adversely affects health outcomes. The availability of support from the state is crucial for vulnerable citizens with existing health conditions, and the inadequate funding of welfare benefits has led to an increase in health inequalities.
Conclusion
Universal Credit has received widespread criticism for the way it treats people with health conditions. The inflexible rules and the flawed assessment process have led to many people losing financial support, which has put them under unnecessary financial and mental stress, further compounding their health conditions. There is a need for reform of the system to ensure that the most vulnerable citizens are protected adequately.
