Thousands of people receiving Universal Credit are set to see their monthly payments significantly reduced from next year due to major reforms announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
What is Changing with Universal Credit?
From April 2026, the government will implement a substantial cut to the health element of Universal Credit for a specific group of claimants. The element, known as the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) payment, will be reduced to £50 per week and then frozen at that rate.
This change will affect individuals whose physical or mental health conditions are deemed severe enough that they are not expected to work or prepare for work. Currently, people in this group are exempt from standard job-seeking requirements like attending interviews.
Who Will Be Protected from the Cuts?
According to the leading charity Disability Rights UK (DRUK), there will be crucial protections in place for some vulnerable claimants. All existing claimants will have their current rate protected, although it will be frozen in cash terms, meaning its value will erode with inflation.
Furthermore, individuals with severe, lifelong conditions or those who are terminally ill will continue to receive the original, higher rate of the health element. New claimants who meet these 'severe conditions' or 'end of life' criteria will also be shielded from the reduction.
Urgent Deadline for New Claimants
The charity has issued a stark warning to anyone who is not yet claiming Universal Credit but believes they will need the health element. To secure the higher payment rate before the cut takes effect, they must act swiftly.
Disability Rights UK advises that a new claim for Universal Credit, complete with relevant evidence of limited capability for work, must be made on or before 5 January 2026. This deadline accounts for the mandatory three-month 'waiting period' before the LCWRA amount is added to an award.
If a claim is made after this date, the new, lower rate of £50 per week will automatically be applied, unless the claimant qualifies under the protected 'special rules'. The charity describes the process for new claimants before the deadline as "relatively straightforward," involving an initial self-certification followed by fit notes from a doctor.
These reforms mark a significant shift in the welfare support for people with health conditions, placing a new financial pressure on many who rely on these essential payments. Claimants are urged to check their status and seek advice if uncertain about how the April 2026 changes will impact them.
