Universal Credit's health element, also known as Limited Capability for Work and Work-related Activity (LCWRA), underwent a major revamp in April, affecting who qualifies and how much they receive. As a result, certain groups applying now will get around half as much from the health element as others.
New lower rate introduced
The extra payment, which supports over two million claimants with health conditions and disabilities, used to be paid at a flat rate of £423.27 per month. One of the first changes in April was the introduction of a lower rate worth only £217.26, roughly half the previous amount.
Four specific groups will get the new lower rate and receive £206 less each month than their peers who qualified before the rule change.
Who gets the lower amount?
You will get the lower amount of LCWRA if all the following apply:
- You declare a health condition or disability on or after 6 April 2026.
- You do not have a severe, lifelong health condition.
- You are not nearing the end of your life.
- Your partner, if you have one, is not entitled to the higher LCWRA amount.
To get the higher rate, equivalent to the rate every eligible claimant received before the rule change, you must have done at least one of the following before April 6, 2026:
- Told the DWP about your condition.
- Already been getting LCWRA.
- Had the 'support group' component of income-related Employment and Support Allowance and continue to get it until you claim Universal Credit.
Exceptions and other elements
People with a severe health condition or disability that's unlikely to change, or who are nearing the end of their life, can qualify for the higher rates regardless of when they informed the DWP or applied for benefits.
Anyone receiving the extra payment must also keep the DWP updated if their health condition changes, including if it gets better, worse, or if they're diagnosed with something new.
The new health element criteria does not affect a person's eligibility for other elements of Universal Credit. The benefit provides a standard rate to all successful claimants as well as other add-ons depending on circumstances, including children, children with disabilities, childcare costs, disability or health conditions, caring for someone with a disability-related benefit, and housing costs.
