New Maximum Sums Announced by Minister for Disabled People

The Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire announced on 9 March that the maximum amounts payable by the Independent Living Funds will be increased from April.

The maximum weekly payment from the Independent Living (1993) Fund will increase from £420 per week to £455 per week.  The maximum weekly payment from the Independent Living (Extension) Fund will increase from £715 per week to £785 per week.

Announcing the increases, Anne McGuire said:

"Disabled people have every right to lead full, independent lives and make their own contribution to the community.  The Independent Living Funds help many disabled people across the United Kingdom achieve this.  This new boost will be good news for severely disabled people, should their support needs increase in the future."

The Chief Executive of the Independent Living Funds, Elaine Morton said:

"These increases will help the ILF continue to offer choice and opportunity for people with high support needs to live independently with the control and freedom to make financial decisions on their support arrangements."

The new maximum sums apply from 1 April 2006.

ILF awards are based on an assessment of actual personal assistance needs and the cost of meeting those needs.  Awards will not be automatically increased.  ILF users can contact their caseworker if their need or the cost of employing personal assistance has changed.

[13 March 2006]