Millions of people claiming Universal Credit across the UK are being urged to take action as a major change to health-related payments is set to come into force from April 2026. The warning centres on the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity payment, commonly known as LCWRA, which provides extra financial support to people whose health conditions or disabilities limit their ability to work.
Under current rules, people who qualify for LCWRA receive an additional monthly payment on top of their standard Universal Credit award. This extra support is designed to help cover the additional costs of living with long-term illness, disability, or serious health conditions. For many households, it makes a significant difference to their ability to pay rent, buy food, and manage day-to-day expenses.
However, new plans mean that from April 2026, people who apply for Universal Credit and are newly assessed for LCWRA may receive a much lower health-related payment than those who qualify before the change takes effect. Analysts and welfare advisers warn that the difference could add up to thousands of pounds over time.
The change does not affect everyone equally. People who already receive the LCWRA element, or who successfully complete the assessment process before the deadline, are expected to keep their current level of support. But those who delay making a claim, or who do not complete the health assessment process in time, could lose out.
Universal Credit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, which says the reforms are part of a wider plan to reshape how health-related benefits work. The government argues that the system should focus more on supporting people into work where possible, while still protecting those with serious and long-term conditions.
Critics, however, say the changes risk pushing vulnerable people into financial hardship. Many point out that people with health conditions often face delays in diagnosis, treatment, and assessments, which can make it difficult to meet deadlines even when they act in good faith.
The LCWRA element currently provides hundreds of pounds a month in additional support. For claimants who rely on it, losing or missing out on this payment could have a serious impact on their standard of living. Welfare organisations warn that people who assume they can “sort it out later” may be making a costly mistake.
One of the biggest issues is awareness. Many Universal Credit claimants are not fully informed about how the health assessment process works or how long it can take. In some cases, it can take several months from reporting a health condition to completing the Work Capability Assessment and receiving a decision.
If a claimant starts the process too late, they may find that their assessment is completed after the April 2026 cut-off, even if their health condition existed long before. This could mean they are placed on the new, lower rate of support instead of the current one.
Another concern is the complexity of the system. Universal Credit already requires claimants to manage online accounts, attend appointments, and report changes in circumstances. For people with mental health conditions, chronic illness, or disabilities, navigating these requirements can be extremely challenging.
Charities and advisers say the proposed changes come at a difficult time. The cost of living remains high, rents are rising, and many disabled people already face higher daily costs than the general population. Reducing future health-related support risks widening existing inequalities.
The government has stated that existing LCWRA claimants will not be moved onto the lower rate simply because of the rule change. This provides some reassurance to those already receiving the payment. However, people who have not yet claimed Universal Credit, or who have claimed but not reported a health condition, may be at risk.
Some people delay claiming benefits due to stigma, lack of information, or the hope that their situation will improve. Others may be unaware that their condition could qualify them for LCWRA, especially if they are not completely unable to work but struggle significantly.
Experts warn that this hesitation could now come with a financial cost. With a fixed deadline approaching, delaying a claim or assessment could mean losing access to higher support permanently.
The change also raises questions about fairness. Two people with the same health condition could receive very different levels of support depending solely on when they complete the assessment process. Campaigners argue this creates a two-tier system that punishes people for circumstances beyond their control.
Supporters of the reform argue that it encourages early engagement with the system and helps control long-term welfare spending. They say clearer rules and deadlines provide certainty and allow the government to better plan public finances.
However, welfare groups counter that people do not choose when they become ill or disabled, and that rigid deadlines fail to reflect the realities of health conditions, especially those that worsen gradually over time.
As April 2026 approaches, advice services are seeing an increase in enquiries from concerned claimants. Many are asking whether they should make a claim now, how to report a health condition, and what evidence is required.
The process usually starts by informing Universal Credit of a health condition through the online journal. Claimants are then asked to provide medical evidence, such as fit notes from a GP. This is followed by a Work Capability Assessment, which determines whether a person is fit for work, has limited capability for work, or qualifies for LCWRA.
The outcome of this assessment has a direct impact on payments and work-related requirements. Those placed in the LCWRA group are not required to look for work and receive the additional payment.
Delays can occur at every stage of the process. Appointments may be postponed, evidence may be requested multiple times, and decisions can take weeks or months. This is why advisers stress the importance of starting as early as possible.
Another issue is that some people assume their condition is “not serious enough” to qualify. In reality, LCWRA eligibility is based on how a condition affects daily functioning, not just the diagnosis itself. Many mental health conditions, neurological disorders, and chronic illnesses can qualify if they significantly limit a person’s ability to work.
The message from experts is increasingly clear. Waiting until 2026 to act could be too late for many people.
While the government has said it will provide guidance closer to the change, critics argue that clear communication is needed now. Without it, many claimants may miss out simply because they did not understand the rules in time.
The Universal Credit system was designed to simplify benefits, but for people with health conditions, it remains complex and intimidating. Changes of this scale make it even more important that claimants receive accurate information and support.
For families and carers, the situation is also worrying. Many people with disabilities rely on partners or relatives for help, and reductions in benefits can place strain on entire households.
The long-term impact of the change is still being debated, but one thing is certain: timing now matters more than ever.
What Universal Credit Claimants Must Do Now
If you have a health condition or disability and are on Universal Credit, or think you may need to claim in the future, experts advise the following:
• Do not delay making a claim if you believe you may be eligible
• Report your health condition in your Universal Credit online journal as soon as possible
• Submit fit notes from your GP or healthcare professional without gaps
• Engage fully with the Work Capability Assessment process**
• Seek advice early from a welfare adviser, charity, or Citizens Advice
• Keep copies of medical evidence and messages**
• Respond promptly to any requests from Universal Credit
Starting early gives you the best chance of completing the process before April 2026.
Questions and Answers
What is the LCWRA payment?
LCWRA is an extra Universal Credit payment for people whose health condition or disability severely limits their ability to work or prepare for work.
How much is the LCWRA payment?
The amount can change, but it is currently worth several hundred pounds per month on top of standard Universal Credit.
Who will be affected by the 2026 change?
People who are newly assessed for LCWRA after April 2026 may receive a lower health-related payment than those assessed before the change.
Will existing LCWRA claimants lose their payment?
The government says people already receiving LCWRA will keep their current rate.
What if my condition started years ago but I haven’t claimed yet?
If you delay starting the assessment process, you may still be affected. What matters is when your LCWRA decision is made, not when your condition began.
How long does the assessment process take?
It can take several months, which is why starting early is important.
Do mental health conditions count?
Yes. Mental health conditions can qualify if they significantly affect your ability to work.
Where can I get help?
You can contact Citizens Advice, disability charities, welfare rights organisations, or speak to your GP for guidance.
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