Changes to Universal Credit

Also in the news recently, are the recent changes to Universal Credit:

From 6 April 2026, Universal Credit (UC) introduced a new ‘two-tier’ system for the “health element” of UC for those with ‘Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity’ (LCWRA).

To clarify the situation, as it was, compared to where we are now:

Prior to April 2026,all claimants with Limited Capability for Work (LCWRA) received a single, higher rate; established via a Work-Capability Assessment (WCA).

Under the new system though (from 6 April 2026):

  • The higher rate (£429.80/month) will still apply for those already getting LCWRA

But:

  • New claimants will have to meet new “severe condition” criteria to be deemed as . having limited capability for work.

For many new claimants, the lower rate (£217.26/month) will apply instead, unless they meet:

Severe Conditions Criteria (SCC) rules

Those who don’t meet the criteria will receive the reduced amount (roughly half of the full rate).

To qualify for Severe Conditions Criteria (SCC)

  • You must meet strict conditions, in addition to having LCWRA.
  • You must meet at least one of 16 functional descriptors.
  • Your condition must be ongoing and continue for the rest of your life.
  • Your diagnosis must be recorded within NHS records.

If you’re already allocated LCWRA status and have been since before April 6, 2026, these changes won’t affect you.

Existing claimants who meet the SCC won’t need to be reassessed for WCA in the future either.

How ‘fair and reasonable’ does the new two-tier system sound to you?

It’s pretty clear that the playing field has tilted and, not in favour of disabled participants. Those claiming after 6 April 2026, will no longer have parity with previous claimants. New UC claimants with LCWRA, who may not fit neatly into Severe Conditions Criteria, could receive significantly less than those already on it. This could result in the highly inequitable outcome of two people with the same health condition, the same limitations, and the same needs being treated differently, simply because they claimed at different times. Shouldn’t support be based on need, rather than be dependent on the date you claimed?

For those navigating already challenging lives, this constant re-defining of what it means to be disabled, on any given date, is confusing and demoralising. It provokes perpetual anxiety, around what hurdles must be negotiated next and where subsequent axes may fall. Is this constant cloud of doubt and suspicion really the environment we want our most vulnerable, disabled citizens to reside under?