The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is providing Universal Credit claimants with an additional £2,550 following an April rule change. Starting from 6 April 2026, the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element will be paid at two distinct rates: a higher rate of £429.80 per month and a lower rate of £217.26 per month.
Who qualifies for each rate?
The lower rate will apply to most new claimants and will be frozen until April 2030, effectively reducing its real value further. The higher rate corresponds to the LCWRA amount before the change, uprated for inflation. It will apply to individuals already entitled to the LCWRA by 6 April 2026 and certain protected groups. This higher rate will not be frozen and will be uprated annually.
The £212 monthly difference between the two rates amounts to £2,550 per year. Claimants who begin receiving the LCWRA after the cut-off date but belong to a protected group can still receive the higher rate.
Government statements
Labour Party Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, commented: “The welfare system we inherited has for too long locked disabled people and people with long-term conditions out of work. Laws coming into force today will change that, reducing projected expenditure on Universal Credit by almost £1 billion. Simultaneously boosting the standard allowance and investing £3.5 billion in employment support means we’re creating a welfare system that backs people to work and helps them build a better future.”
From 8 April, customers with limited capability for work or work-related activity will see a new notification on their Universal Credit account, providing information on available support and allowing them to opt in to being contacted for further assistance.
Background and additional changes
The previous system meant that people receiving the Universal Credit health top-up were paid more than twice as much as a single person on the standard rate who is looking for work, without any support to move into employment. These changes are part of a £3.5 billion government investment to help disabled people and those with long-term health conditions move closer to the labour market, offering personalised support aimed at improving employment and living standards.
Child element changes
Universal Credit claimants can also receive an extra amount for any children or qualifying young people they are responsible for, known as the ‘child element’. Previously, claims were usually limited to the first two children under the ‘2 child limit’, but this restriction was removed on 6 April 2026. Claimants can now get a child element for each child, including those with three or more.
