The proposed introduction of universal credit, replacing income support, tax credits and housing benefit, from 2013 could massively affect social work practice, writes Gary Vaux One particular change will cost some families with a disabled child up to £1,400 a year - and these families are already more likely to be in poverty and using social services support. The Welfare Reform Bill is now going through parliament so these proposals could change but this seems unlikely, despite furious lobbying from disabled children's charities and parents. At present, children who receive any rate of disability living allowance (DLA) are also entitled to up to two additional sums of money from child tax credits (CTC). Under universal credit, however, families will be entitled to only one additional sum of money. For the most severely disabled children this will still equate to a similar amount. Those with severe visual impairments may even gain significantly. But those who do not...
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