Changes to the Independent Living Fund (ILF)

As of the 1^st of May the qualifying criteria for the Independent Living Fund has changed. From this date, applicants will only be eligible for support if they are in 16 hours of employment or more per week. This move has been taken seemingly without any consultation with disabled people and marks a significant backwards step of the independent living agenda. As yet it is unclear where the money will be found to make up the resulting shortfall in funding for care packages, but this burden will now presumably be met by local authorities whose budgets are already limited and likely to be further constrained in the coming months.

The ILF describes itself as “a national resource dedicated to the financial support of disabled people to enable them to choose to live in the community rather than in residential care.” As such, it is deeply concerning that this fund will no longer be made available to the very people who have the highest need of financial assistance to live an independent life. This move will have a significant impact on many SCI people, not least those who are currently in hospital awaiting discharge and are not yet in a position to be seeking employment.

SIA will be seeking answers as to how such a decision could be made, particularly without consultation with disabled people, and lobbying for the ILF to continue to support those with the highest care needs that are unable to return to work.