If you receive Universal Credit or you’re thinking about applying soon, it’s time to pay attention.
From April 2026, some of the biggest changes in years will take effect and they could make a huge difference to how much money people get each month.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the standard Universal Credit allowance will rise above inflation for several years in a row. On the surface, that sounds like good news. But there’s a catch. At the same time, the extra payment for people with health conditions or disabilities will be cut in half for new claimants and frozen until 2029.
That means anyone who applies for Universal Credit after April 2026 and qualifies because of illness or disability could end up getting hundreds of pounds less every month than someone who applies before that date.
So, what exactly is happening? And what can people do about it? Let’s go through it carefully in simple, everyday language.
Why Universal Credit Is Changing
Universal Credit has been around for more than ten years now. It was designed to replace older benefits like Income Support, Housing Benefit, and Employment and Support Allowance with one monthly payment.
The idea was to simplify the system. But over time, the cost of running it — and the number of people depending on it has grown. The government says it needs to make changes to keep it sustainable and to “encourage more people to work where possible.”
In 2024, the DWP started reviewing how Universal Credit supports people who are too sick or disabled to work. Officials say they found that the health element, known officially as the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) payment, had become expensive and sometimes inconsistent with other parts of the benefits system.
Their solution? From April 2026, they’ll raise the main Universal Credit allowance for everyone but reduce and freeze the LCWRA top-up for people who claim because of disability or illness.
What’s Actually Changing
There are a few main changes that will affect millions of people across the UK.
1. The standard allowance is going up
Everyone who receives Universal Credit gets a base amount called the “standard allowance.” From April 2026, this amount will rise by more than inflation every year until at least 2029.
That means people on low income or out of work could see their main payment increase faster than the cost of living, which is good news for most claimants. The government says this move will “reward work and help people manage rising living costs.”
2. The health-related element will be reduced
This is the biggest and most controversial part. If you claim Universal Credit because a disability or long-term illness prevents you from working, you currently receive an extra payment on top of your standard allowance — that’s the LCWRA element.
At the moment, it’s worth about £390 a month.
But for new claims made after April 2026, this amount will be cut in half, to around £195 a month.
If you already get the health element before that date, your payments will stay the same. But anyone starting a new claim after the change kicks in will only get the reduced rate.
3. The reduced rate will be frozen until 2029
The halved LCWRA payment won’t rise with inflation. It’ll stay the same for three years, meaning that as prices go up, its real value will fall.
Charities say this could leave disabled people worse off each year, even though other parts of Universal Credit go up.
4. No health element for people under 22
One of the most surprising changes is that anyone under 22 years old will no longer qualify for the LCWRA top-up at all.
The government says this will encourage young people with health conditions to prepare for work or training.
But disability campaigners have called it “deeply unfair,” pointing out that many young people are born with serious health conditions and rely on this extra money to pay for care or medical equipment.
What It Means for You
The short version is this: if you already get Universal Credit and the LCWRA element before April 2026, nothing will change for you. Your payment should continue as normal.
But if you think you might need to claim Universal Credit soon because of a health condition, it’s important to apply as early as possible — ideally before the changes take effect.
By doing so, you’ll be placed under the current system and receive the higher LCWRA rate, which will continue as long as your circumstances remain the same.
If you wait until after April 2026 to apply, you’ll only qualify for the new, lower, frozen rate — and that could cost you thousands of pounds over the coming years.
Why the Government Says It’s Doing This
The DWP argues that the new system will be fairer and simpler.
Officials say the extra health element was originally designed to support people unable to work, but over time it has become “a barrier” because it discourages people from trying to find employment once their health improves.
By raising the main Universal Credit allowance and reducing the LCWRA element, the government says it’s making the system more “balanced.”
They believe this approach will still protect people who need help, while giving more consistent support to everyone whether they’re working part-time, out of work, or moving between jobs.
Ministers also point out that the savings made by reducing the LCWRA element will help fund the higher increases to the standard allowance, benefiting millions of other claimants.
Why Critics Are Worried
Not everyone agrees with the government’s reasoning.
Disability charities, welfare experts, and campaigners say the changes amount to a stealth cut for disabled people.
Groups like Scope and Citizens Advice warn that halving the LCWRA element could push thousands of people with disabilities deeper into poverty. Many already struggle with rising living costs, particularly those who rely on expensive care, specialist diets, or mobility aids.
They also argue that freezing the health-related payment until 2029 will make things worse each year as inflation eats away at its value.
“People with disabilities are already facing impossible choices between heating, eating, and paying for care,” said one welfare adviser. “Cutting this support, even for new claimants, sends the wrong message.”
Another concern is the impact on young people. Removing the health element entirely for under-22s has shocked many campaigners, who say it ignores the reality of living with life-long conditions. Some young claimants, they argue, may never have the chance to work at all, and removing their support at such an early age could cause serious hardship.
Why You Should Apply Early
If you think you might be eligible for Universal Credit because of illness, disability, or a long-term condition, the best advice is don’t wait.
Anyone who starts a claim before April 2026 and qualifies for the LCWRA element will be locked into the current higher rate.
That means you’ll keep receiving the full payment even after the new rules begin.
But once the new system starts, there’s no going back.
People who claim after that date will automatically fall under the new, reduced rate — and it will stay frozen for three years.
Applying early could make a big difference to your financial stability, especially if your health condition means you’re unable to work.
Where to Get Help and Information
If all of this sounds confusing, you’re not alone.
Universal Credit rules can be complex, and the upcoming changes add another layer of uncertainty.
Here are some trusted places where you can find clear advice and support:
- Citizens Advice – Offers free guidance on how Universal Credit works and how to apply for the LCWRA element if you’re eligible.
👉 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit - Scope UK – A charity that supports disabled people and campaigns for fair benefits. They have practical information on changes to disability payments.
👉 www.scope.org.uk - MoneyHelper – Run by the government, this site explains benefits, budgeting, and the new welfare changes in plain English.
👉 www.moneyhelper.org.uk - The Independent – Regularly reports on updates to welfare policy and Universal Credit reform.
👉 www.independent.co.uk