http://www.mssociety.org.uk/news_events/news/daily/independent_livi.html

Last Modified: 20 December 2001

Severely disabled people will benefit from changes to the Independent Living Funds.

From April 2002, the capital limit will be raised to £18,500. Savings of up to £11,500 will be ignored, an increase of £8,500 on the current level.

All earnings will be disregarded in ILF assessments and partners of ILF beneficiaries will also benefit from the full earnings disregard. Minister for Disabled People, Angela Eagle, said some of the most severely disabled would be £130 a week better off.

"All disabled people have the right to live as independently as possible. These measures will give severely disabled people greater financial independence and freedom to choose their own care and support."