Clarification on the Health Element of Universal Credit

I am confused about the Health Element of Universal Credit. Has it started yet?

My understanding to date is that when starts, only those on PIP will get it? And so, if you're still on DLA (even if you're in the LCWRA Group), then you will get the reduced rate for UC Health Element?

But.., the way the bill reads to me makes it sounds like if you're already on UC in the LCWRA Group, then you will be protected, it doesn't mention PIP as a criteria:

'The bill would reduce the UC health element for new claimants from 6 April 2026 and then freeze the rate from 2027/28 to 2029/30.'

- Source: Cover page, 2nd paragraph

and:

'The bill would reduce the UC LCWRA rate for new UC claimants from 6 April 2026 by approximately half, to £217.26. This would create two LCWRA rates—the existing rate for current claimants and for new claimants with SREL or SCC, and a reduced LCWRA rate for all other new claimants from April 2026'

- Source: Page 5, section 2.1.


To me, that reads that if you're on UC now and in the LCWRA group, you get the existing rate? I'm not sure how CB ESA fits into this though.

Is the benefits and work team still trying to clarify this? I understand that to date, much of the focus has been on stopping/changing the bill but there's still a lot of confusion over this.

Thanks for your reply Gary. I'm still unsure if this applies to me or not. Are you able to tell me if I will be affected or not?

I'm in the LCWRA, on UC, DLA and NS ESA. My UC payments say the following:

Limited capability for work and work-related activity
£423.27

You said your health affects you at work or prevents you from working

Most of my UC is deducted at the moment as NS ESA makes up most of the payment.

No problem, thanks Gary.