Universal Credit: what you could get if you have a health condition or disability
How the 2 rates for limited capability for work and work-related activity work from 6 April 2026.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
LCWRA (limited capacity for work and work-related activity)
You may get more money on top of your standard allowance if you cannot work because of a health condition or disability.
This extra amount of money is for people who have limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA). Some people call this the ‘health element’ or the ‘LCWRA element’.
The Universal Credit Act 2025 changed how this extra amount works from 6 April 2026. These changes do not affect you if you are currently getting LCWRA and have been since before 6 April 2026.
What changed from 6 April 2026
The LCWRA extra amount is now paid at 2 rates instead of one: a higher rate and a lower rate.
The rate you get depends on:
- when you declared your health condition or disability
- whether you have a severe, lifelong health condition or disability
- if you are nearing the end of your life
When you will get the higher LCWRA amount
You will get the higher amount if any of the following apply:
- you told us about your health condition or a disability before 6 April 2026, regardless of the date of the LCWRA decision
- you were already getting LCWRA before 6 April 2026
- you had the ‘support group’ component of income-related Employment and Support Allowance before 6 April 2026 and continue to get it until you claim Universal Credit
Severe, lifelong health conditions or disabilities
You will get the higher amount of LCWRA if either of the following apply:
- you have a severe, lifelong health condition or disability
- you are nearing your end of life
This applies no matter when you claim.
When you will get the lower LCWRA amount
You will get the lower amount of LCWRA if all the following apply:
- you declare a health condition or disability on or after 6 April 2026
- you do not have a severe, lifelong health condition
- you are not nearing the end of your life
- your partner, if you have one, is not entitled to the higher LCWRA amount
How we assess severe and lifelong conditions and disabilities
A health professional will review your medical evidence as part of a Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
You will not need to have a WCA if you’re nearing the end of your life.
You will be treated as having a severe, lifelong health condition or disability if all these apply. Your health condition or disability:
- means you cannot work
- will last your whole life
- will not get better
- is officially diagnosed by a health professional
If the WCA finds that you have a severe, lifelong health condition or disability you will get a letter after the assessment that tells you this.
If you’re assessed as having a severe, lifelong health condition or disability, you will not usually need another assessment.
If you’re part of a couple
If you live with your partner and you both have LCWRA, you’ll only get one extra monthly amount of LCWRA. If one of you is entitled to the higher amount, you will get the higher amount.
If you had limited capability to work before 3 April 2017
If you have limited capability for work (LCW), you may be eligible for an extra £158.76 per month. You must have started your health-related Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claim before 3 April 2017.