Plan for simpler, more personal disability allowance under consideration
CHANGES that would make it easier for disabled people to choose a weekly allowance towards their disability-related costs, are to be considered.
Under a proposed new system, people will be able to choose up to an extra £20 towards their disability-related costs without needing to go through an assessment or providing supporting information.
The allowance, known as disability-related expenditure (DRE) and is included in a financial assessment, reduces the amount people are asked to pay towards the cost of their care outside of a residential care setting.
For many people, this would mean their financial assessment could be completed sooner, helping them understand what they will need to contribute towards the cost of their care without waiting for a detailed disability-related expenditure assessment.
The change will mean only those who feel they need a higher allowance to meet additional living costs associated with a disability will have to undertake a full DRE assessment.
The proposal will be considered by the lead member for adult social care and health on Thursday, November 19 and, if approved, will bring East Sussex County Council in line with other local authorities.
Currently, allowances are automatically applied with less consideration for an adult’s individual circumstances. In over 98 per cent of the almost 5,000 assessments the council deals with each year, residents receive the standard allowance, while full assessments are carried out on around 80 adults.
Mark Stainton, Director of Adult Social Care and Health, said: “The proposed approach would be both more personal and streamlined and make it simpler for disabled people to secure the right amount of financial support toward their care without excessive paperwork, whether they self-assess or choose a fuller assessment. Everyone entitled to an allowance would continue to receive one and there would be no cap on the amount that could be approved by assessment.
“If adopted, it would follow a model already followed by other local authorities and offers the chance to reduce the public cost of social care in the county by bringing the average weekly allowance closer to the national average.”
Under the proposals, many people could be complete their financial assessment sooner, helping them understand what they will need to contribute towards the cost of their care without waiting for a detailed assessment of their expenditure.
People in East Sussex have broadly welcomed the idea during initial consultation as offering a more personal and fairer approach.
If adopted, the new system would begin operation in early 2027 and would be carefully reviewed during the implementation period after both three months and six months.
The full report being considered by the lead member is available at Agenda for Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health on Thursday, 19th November, 2026, 2.00 pm | East Sussex County Council
Ends.
Wednesday, 11 November 2026