Stories

Wed, 11 Nov 2026

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 Some under-25s should get fewer benefits, Milburn review to say

The proposed radical overhaul of the welfare system would move under-25s off the main sickness benefits.

* A government-commissioned review by Alan Milburn will recommend reducing benefits for under-25s who claim sickness and disability benefits.
* Under-25s would no longer be able to claim the health element of universal credit or personal independence payment (Pip), but could receive a basic allowance on the same rate as universal credit instead.
* Some claimants may be eligible for an "additional cost allowance" to cover day-to-day costs related to their conditions.
* Many under-25s would receive less financial support under the new system, which aims to prioritize long-term life chances over immediate finances.
* The review also recommends investing billions into more employment support for young people, including work placements, job subsidies and one-to-one personal advisers.
* Those with severe disabilities unable to work would get a new benefit paid at a higher rate.
* The reforms are expected to take almost a decade to result in monetary savings for the British state.