In March 2025, the Government published a Pathways to Work Green Paper, which set out some proposed changes to various benefits including what they refer to as the ‘health element’ of Universal Credit (UC). By this, they mean the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element (or LCWRA for short), which is currently worth £437.27 per month to those who are eligible for it.
The Government have taken the view that the amount that claimants receive for the LCWRA element, in comparison to the basic standard allowance of UC, makes it somehow ‘attractive’ to be ‘sick’ whilst on UC. Their plan, now confirmed in the Universal Credit Act, is to reduce the value of the LCWRA element for most new claimants with effect from 6/4/26. Unless someone fits an exception to the rules, from 6/4/26 the LCWRA element will be paid at a lower rate of £217.26 per month.
If you fit an exception to the rules, then your LCWRA would continue to be paid at the higher rate. This is currently £423.27 per month but is expected to rise from 7/4/26 because of the annual uprating of benefit amounts.
This section of the article is only available for our subscribers. Please click here to subscribe to a subscription plan to view this part of the article.
