Overview
- The change took effect on 6 April 2026 when the LCWRA (health) element of Universal Credit was split into two rates for new claimants.
- New claimants now typically receive a lower monthly payment of £217.26 while existing recipients and some protected groups keep a higher rate of £429.80.
- The £212 monthly gap equals about £2,550–£2,580 a year for people moved onto the lower rate, creating an immediate drop in income for many new applicants.
- DWP will use prescribed assessment ‘descriptors’ to decide who can still get the higher rate, with automatic qualifiers for severe limits such as being unable to walk more than 50 metres.
- Ministers say the reform reduces projected Universal Credit spending by close to £1 billion and is paired with a £3.5 billion package for personalised employment support and other April changes that include removing the two‑child cap.