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£400 cash boost for disabled adults to tackle cost of living

ended 17. February 2026

Over 150,000 people will get at least £400 back in their pockets to help with the cost of living, thanks to government action to support adults with disabilities, the government has announced.

Government is increasing the amount that working age adults who receive social care must be able to keep after paying for home care (known as the Minimum Income Guarantee) by 7% from April.

This is the largest above-inflation uplift in more than a decade and means working-age adults receiving care in the community will have more money left over for everyday essentials such as food, heating and bills. 

Those eligible for the disability premium, an additional amount for people with greater disability needs, will keep up to £510 more per year.

Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: "We are determined to not only reform adult social care but do it in a way that helps some of the most vulnerable people in society with the daily pressures they face. From April, more than 150,000 disabled adults will keep hundreds of pounds more each year - putting extra money back into their pockets to help with everyday costs.

"At the same time, we are putting more money into funding life-changing home adaptations so older and disabled people can live safely and independently. These steps are part of our wider plans to build a National Care Service rooted in quality, fairness and dignity for all that use it.”

  • What's your reaction to the extra cash? 
  • How important is it?
  • Where can people go if they believe they are entitled to help?

Responses this morning.

1 responses from the Newspage community

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Editor
Kate Underwood
Founder & Chief People Strategist at Kate Underwood HR and Training
This ‘£400 boost’ isn’t a bonus. It’s the government finally noticing disabled people still need to eat. The Minimum Income Guarantee going up from April is a big deal because it decides how offering much you’re allowed to keep after the council charges you for home care. More money left in your pocket means more chance of paying for basics like food, heating and bills. So yes, it matters. But let’s not pretend this is some magical cost of living fix. £400 to £510 a year is helpful, not life-changing. The real scandal is how many people are undercharged, overcharged or just plain confused because the system is complicated and people are knackered. If you think you might qualify, don’t sit there hoping it’ll “just happen”. Ring your local council Adult Social Care team and ask for a care needs assessment and a financial assessment. If you want someone in your corner, Citizens Advice or a local welfare rights or disability charity can help you challenge decisions.