Milburn review to propose new benefits for under-25s

Alan Milburn’s forthcoming welfare review is expected to recommend that people under 25 no longer qualify for the health element of Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment, replacing the current support with new allowances and employment services. The proposals have not been enacted, and the government has not set out final eligibility rules or benefit amounts.

Under the proposed model, young people would receive a youth allowance at the standard Universal Credit rate. Those who need help with additional costs arising from a disability could qualify for a separate allowance, while people unable to work because of severe disabilities would receive a higher-rate benefit. The precise criteria for each form of support have not been published.

Milburn, a former health secretary leading a review of youth employment and welfare, acknowledged that some people could initially receive less financial support than under the current system. He has argued that the changes should give greater priority to longer-term prospects for work and education. His review is expected to propose more one-to-one advisers, work placements, wage subsidies and routes into jobs, apprenticeships and...