WellChild’s Statement on Government’s Welfare Reform Plans

These families have already been severely affected by rising living costs. Particularly those who rely on technology such as ventilators at home that keep their children alive, or who depend on overnight carers to monitor their children throughout the night.

Families are worried about losing their PIP entitlement; delayed access to the health element of Universal Credit until their children reach 22; and the potential loss of eligibility for other benefits such as Carer’s Allowance.

Any reduction to these essential benefits risks pushing these families to financial breaking point, which could have a devastating impact on their ability to keep their children safe at home.

Whilst we share the concerns expressed by others over the proposed changes, we welcome the reassurances that there will be protective measures put in place for those with the highest needs such as the families supported by WellChild.

However, we strongly urge the Government to provide urgent clarification as to how these measures will work in practice and how they will ensure that young people with round-the-clock complex medical needs, and the families who care for them, will be fully protected from the potential negative impacts of welfare reform.