Important changes to UC: LCWRA

Important changes to Universal Credit: LCWRA Element 📣

From April 2026, the Government is changing the way Universal Credit (UC) is paid to people who are too unwell to work.
At the moment, people who are found to have Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) get an extra amount added to their UC of about £423 a month.
From 6th April 2026, this extra payment will almost halve for new claimants, to
£217 a month.

This means:
• If you’re already getting the LCWRA element before April 2026, you’ll keep the higher amount (you’ll be ‘protected’).
• But if you’re not yet getting LCWRA by that date, you could end up on the lower rate unless you qualify under special rules (for people with severe lifelong conditions or terminal illness).

What you can do now

If you get Universal Credit and have health problems that affect your ability to work, don’t wait to tell UC about your condition.
You might need a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and it can take a few months before the LCWRA payment is added.
Reporting your health condition before the end of 2025 could make a big difference to what you’re entitled to.

Need help?

Our Financial Inclusion Team can help Thenue Housing tenants:
• Check if you might qualify for LCWRA
• Work out important dates for your claim
• Support you to contact Universal Credit and send the right information

You can email us at financial.inclusion@thenuehousing.co.uk or you can call us on 0141 550 3581