Thousands of disabled adults across England will soon see some financial relief after the government announced changes to social care rules. The new policy will allow more than 150,000 working-age adults who receive social care to keep at least £400 more each year.
The decision comes as households continue to struggle with rising living costs, including higher food prices, energy bills, and everyday expenses. In addition to the extra income support, the government has also confirmed major funding to help disabled and elderly residents adapt their homes so they can live more safely and independently.
7% Increase in Minimum Income Guarantee
Starting April 2026, the government will raise the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) for working-age adults receiving social care by 7 percent.
The MIG ensures that people who pay for home care services still retain a minimum level of income for personal expenses.
This increase represents the largest above-inflation rise in more than a decade.
Under the new changes:
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Over 150,000 individuals will keep at least £400 more per year
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Those who qualify for the disability premium may retain up to £510 annually
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Beneficiaries will have more money available for food, heating, and essential bills
The aim of this increase is to reduce financial pressure and ensure disabled adults do not have to sacrifice basic living needs to pay for their care.
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock explained that the changes are intended to support vulnerable individuals while also moving toward broader social care reform. According to him, the new policy will help people keep more of their income while strengthening the fairness of the care system.
Positive Response from Disability Charities
Several disability organizations have welcomed the announcement.
The charity Mencap praised the decision, saying the increase will provide meaningful help to working-age adults with disabilities.
Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Mencap, said that for many years the allowance remained unchanged, leaving disabled individuals facing financial hardship.
The organization has long argued that people with learning disabilities should not have to use their benefits to pay for essential care. While Mencap continues to campaign for free social care at the point of need, the group considers the new increase an encouraging step forward.
£723 Million Investment for Home Adaptations
Alongside the income support changes, the government has also committed £723 million in funding for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) for 2026–2027.
The program helps disabled and elderly individuals modify their homes so they can continue living independently.
Last year, the grant supported around 60,000 people across England.
Common home adaptations funded by the grant include:
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Level-access showers
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Stair lifts or home lifts
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Wheelchair ramps and wider doorways
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Smart assistive technologies
These improvements make homes safer, reduce the risk of falls, and help people manage daily activities more easily.
Disabled Facilities Grant Funding by Region (2026–2027)
| Region | Allocation (£) |
|---|---|
| North East | 40,991,139 |
| North West | 124,356,177 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 69,779,658 |
| East Midlands | 51,658,126 |
| West Midlands | 89,602,528 |
| East of England | 66,019,956 |
| London | 95,935,564 |
| South East | 115,148,496 |
| South West | 69,508,356 |
| Total | 723,000,000 |
Funding for home modifications also benefits the NHS, as safer homes can reduce accidents and help patients leave hospitals sooner.
Additional Social Care Updates from April 2026
Other financial changes will also take effect in April 2026:
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The personal expenses allowance for people living in residential care will increase by 3.8%
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The Minimum Income Guarantee for people above State Pension age will also rise by 3.8%
These adjustments are part of the government’s updated guidance for social care charging for local authorities for the 2026–2027 period.
Plans for a National Care Service
The government says these updates are part of broader plans to overhaul the adult social care system in England.
An independent review led by Louise Casey has been launched to examine the current system and propose improvements. The first recommendations from this review are expected later this year.
The government has also committed £4.6 billion in additional funding by 2028–2029, which includes:
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£500 million to introduce a fair pay agreement for care workers
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A new organization responsible for negotiating pay and working conditions
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Expanded training and professional qualifications
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A clearer career pathway for social care staff
The fair pay agreement aims to improve wages and working conditions in a sector that has long faced staffing shortages and low pay.
Why These Changes Are Important
For many disabled adults and their families, social care charges have been a significant financial burden.
The 7% rise in the Minimum Income Guarantee will provide additional income that can be used for daily essentials, helping reduce financial stress.
Meanwhile, the £723 million investment in home adaptations reflects a growing focus on helping people live safely in their own homes rather than relying on hospital care.
If successfully implemented, these reforms could improve financial stability, independence, and quality of life for thousands of people who rely on social care every day.
FAQs
What is the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG)?
It is the minimum amount of income a person receiving social care must retain after paying for care services.
How much extra money will disabled adults keep?
Most beneficiaries will keep at least £400 more annually, while some may retain up to £510 per year depending on eligibility.
What does the Disabled Facilities Grant cover?
The grant helps fund home improvements such as stair lifts, accessible bathrooms, ramps, and other accessibility modifications.
When will the new changes take effect?
The updated Minimum Income Guarantee will begin in April 2026.
How much funding is planned for adult social care overall?
The government has announced £4.6 billion in additional funding by 2028–2029, including £723 million for home adaptation grants in 2026–2027.