Why You Need to Apply for Universal Credit Now: Don't Miss the Critical April 2026 Deadline
A major change to Universal Credit payments takes effect in April 2026. If you have a health condition or disability, delaying your claim could cost you £2,400 a year.
Time Is Running Out - Claim Before It's Too Late
The Critical Deadline You Cannot Afford to Miss
If you're struggling financially, living with a health condition or disability, or working on a low income, this article could save you thousands of pounds. But you need to act now.
From April 6, 2026, the government is implementing significant changes to Universal Credit that will dramatically reduce payments for new claimants with health conditions and disabilities. Anyone who qualifies for health-related additional payments but hasn't claimed by this date will lose over £200 per month compared to those who claimed earlier.
🚨 Critical Deadline Alert 🚨
April 6, 2026Claim your Universal Credit BEFORE this date if you have a health condition or disability, or you'll receive £2,400 less per year
Universal Credit claims with health-related elements can take 3-6 months to process. If you think you might be eligible for the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element because of a health condition or disability, you need to start your claim now to ensure you receive your assessment before the April 2026 deadline.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand what's changing, whether you're eligible for Universal Credit, how much you could receive, and most importantly, why you must act before it's too late.
What's Changing in April 2026?
The Universal Credit Act 2025 has legislated for major changes to how Universal Credit is calculated. While the standard allowance (the basic amount everyone gets) is increasing, the additional payment for people with significant health conditions or disabilities is being dramatically cut for new claimants.
The LCWRA Element: Before and After
The Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element is an additional monthly payment for Universal Credit claimants whose health conditions or disabilities prevent them from working or preparing for work.
| When You Claim LCWRA | Monthly LCWRA Payment | Annual Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Before April 6, 2026 | £423.27 | £5,079.24 per year |
| On or after April 6, 2026 | £217.26 | £2,607.12 per year |
| The Difference | -£206.01 per month | -£2,472.12 per year |
If you start receiving the LCWRA element BEFORE April 6, 2026, you will be protected and will continue to receive the higher rate (£423.27 per month) going forward. This protection applies even if you claim years from now - what matters is when you were first assessed as having LCWRA, not when you originally started your Universal Credit claim.
Who Is Protected?
Even after April 6, 2026, certain groups will still receive the higher LCWRA rate:
- Anyone already receiving LCWRA before April 6, 2026 - your payment will not be reduced
- People who are terminally ill and meet the Special Rules for End of Life criteria
- People with severe and lifelong conditions assessed using Severe Conditions Criteria
For everyone else with health conditions or disabilities who claims after April 6, 2026, the LCWRA payment will be nearly halved.
What This Means in Real Terms
Let's look at how these changes affect actual Universal Credit payments:
Example: Single Adult Over 25 with a Health Condition
Breakdown for claims BEFORE April 6, 2026:
- Standard Allowance: £400.14 per month
- LCWRA Element: £423.27 per month
- Total: £823.41 per month (using April 2025 rates as baseline)
Breakdown for claims AFTER April 6, 2026:
- Standard Allowance: Increased amount (exact figure TBC, estimated around £407)
- LCWRA Element: £217.26 per month
- Total: Approximately £624 per month
A reduction of approximately £200 per month might not sound enormous, but over a year, that's £2,400. For someone living with a disability or serious health condition—who often faces higher living costs for things like heating, mobility aids, specialist equipment, adapted transport, and additional care needs—this reduction could be the difference between managing and falling into serious financial hardship.
Higher Living Costs for Disabled People
Research consistently shows that disabled people face significantly higher costs of living than non-disabled people:
- Extra heating costs due to medical conditions or reduced mobility
- Specialist equipment and aids
- Adapted transport or taxi use when public transport isn't accessible
- Dietary requirements for medical conditions
- Higher insurance premiums
- Costs of attending medical appointments
- Replacing worn-out items more frequently due to heavier use
The current LCWRA rate of £423.27 per month helps offset these additional costs. Cutting this to £217.26 will push many disabled people into financial crisis.
Who Can Claim Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a monthly payment designed to help people on low incomes or who are out of work. You might be able to claim if you're:
✅ Eligible If You Are:
- Aged 18 or over (some 16-17 year olds can claim in specific circumstances)
- Under State Pension age (usually 66)
- On a low income or out of work
- Living in the UK
- Have less than £16,000 in savings or investments (you'll still get some Universal Credit with savings between £6,000 and £16,000, but the amount reduces)
You Can Claim Universal Credit Even If You're Working
This is a crucial point many people miss: Universal Credit isn't just for people who are unemployed. You can claim if you're:
- Working full-time or part-time
- Self-employed
- Unable to work due to illness or disability
- A carer for someone with care needs
- Bringing up children
Your earnings and circumstances determine how much you receive, but many working people are entitled to Universal Credit to top up their income.
Students and Universal Credit
Generally, full-time students cannot claim Universal Credit, but there are exceptions if you:
- Live with your partner and they're eligible for Universal Credit
- Are responsible for a child
- Have limited capability for work due to a disability or health condition
- Are studying part-time or a course with no student finance available
- Are 21 or under, studying for A-levels or equivalent, and have no parental support
How Much Universal Credit Can You Get?
Universal Credit is made up of a standard allowance plus additional elements based on your circumstances. Here are the 2025/26 rates (April 2025 - April 2026):
Standard Allowance (Everyone Gets This)
| Your Situation | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single, under 25 | £316.98 |
| Single, 25 or over | £400.14 |
| Couple, both under 25 | £497.55 |
| Couple, one or both 25 or over | £628.10 |
Additional Elements You Might Get
On top of your standard allowance, you could receive extra money for:
If You Have Children:
- First child (born before April 6, 2017): £339.00 per month
- First child (born on or after April 6, 2017) or second child: £292.81 per month
- Disabled child (lower rate): £158.76 per month extra
- Severely disabled child (higher rate): £495.87 per month extra
Note: You can usually only claim for your first two children unless specific exceptions apply, such as children born as part of a multiple birth.
If You Have a Health Condition or Disability:
- Limited Capability for Work (LCW): £158.76 per month (only in specific circumstances)
- Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA): £423.27 per month (THIS IS THE ELEMENT BEING CUT IN APRIL 2026)
If You're a Carer:
- Carer Element: £201.68 per month if you care for someone at least 35 hours per week
If You Pay Rent:
- Housing Element: Amount varies based on your rent, local housing allowance rates, and circumstances
If You Pay for Childcare:
- You can claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs from registered providers
The amount you'll actually receive depends on your specific circumstances, earnings, rent, and other factors. Use a benefits calculator to get a personalized estimate. Good options include Turn2us, MoneyHelper, and Citizens Advice calculators.
Understanding the LCWRA Element: What It Is and How to Get It
The Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element is the additional payment being cut in April 2026. Here's everything you need to know about it.
What Is LCWRA?
LCWRA is the highest level of health-related support in Universal Credit. It recognizes that your health condition or disability is so significant that you cannot be reasonably expected to work or prepare for work.
If you're assessed as having LCWRA, you:
- Get an extra £423.27 per month (current rate - protect this by claiming before April 2026!)
- Have no work-related requirements - you don't have to look for work or attend job center appointments
- Can focus on managing your health without pressure to work
Who Qualifies for LCWRA?
You may qualify if you have a physical or mental health condition, illness, or disability that significantly limits your ability to work. Conditions that commonly qualify include:
- Severe mental health conditions (psychosis, severe depression, bipolar disorder, etc.)
- Neurological conditions (MS, Parkinson's, epilepsy, stroke effects)
- Chronic pain conditions (fibromyalgia, severe arthritis)
- Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions (heart failure, severe COPD)
- Cancer and treatment effects
- Severe mobility problems
- Learning disabilities or autism that significantly impacts daily functioning
- Terminal illness
- Any condition that means you cannot reasonably be expected to work
How to Apply for the LCWRA Element
You must already be claiming Universal Credit to get the LCWRA element. Here's the process:
Step-by-Step Process:
In most cases, even if you're approved for LCWRA, you won't receive the additional payment until three full assessment periods (approximately three months) after you first submitted medical evidence. However, there are exceptions where you can get it immediately, such as if you're terminally ill, are moving from certain other benefits, or meet other specific criteria.
Why You Must Start This Process NOW
Given the three-month minimum wait, plus the time it takes to complete the assessment process (which can be 3-6 months or longer), you need to start your claim immediately if you want to be assessed as having LCWRA before the April 6, 2026 deadline.
Timeline example:
- Today: Start Universal Credit claim and inform DWP of health condition
- Week 2-4: Submit fit notes
- Month 1-2: Receive and complete UC50 questionnaire
- Month 2-4: Attend Work Capability Assessment
- Month 3-6: Receive decision and start receiving LCWRA element
If you delay starting this process until late 2025 or early 2026, you risk not completing it before the April 6, 2026 deadline.
How to Claim Universal Credit
Claiming Universal Credit is done online in most cases. Here's exactly what you need to do:
Before You Start
Have these details ready:
The Application Process
- Go to GOV.UK and search for "Apply for Universal Credit"
- Create your Universal Credit account - you'll get an email to verify your identity
- Complete your application within 28 days of creating your account (it will expire if you don't)
- Verify your identity - you'll usually be asked to attend a Jobcentre Plus or verify online using GOV.UK Verify
- Agree to your Claimant Commitment - this is your responsibilities while claiming (this meeting can be done over the phone or online)
Your claim officially starts from the date you submit it, not when you create your account. Complete it as quickly as possible.
If You Have a Health Condition
When completing your application, make sure to:
- Clearly explain your health condition or disability
- Describe how it affects your ability to work
- Upload fit notes if you already have them
- Indicate that you have limited capability for work
After submitting your application, immediately send a message through your online journal requesting a UC50 form to begin your Work Capability Assessment.
First Payment
You'll usually receive your first Universal Credit payment 5 weeks after you submit your claim. This includes:
- A 1-month assessment period
- Plus 7 days for the payment to arrive
If you cannot wait 5 weeks for your first payment, you can request an advance. This is a loan that will be deducted from your future Universal Credit payments. Since April 2025, the maximum that can be deducted has been reduced from 25% to 15% of your standard allowance, giving you an extra £420 per year on average.
If You Cannot Apply Online
If you cannot use the online service, you can call the Universal Credit helpline:
- Telephone: 0800 328 5644
- Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344
You can also get free help from Citizens Advice through their "Help to Claim" service.
What Happens to Your Other Benefits?
Universal Credit replaces several older "legacy" benefits. Understanding how this affects you is crucial.
Benefits Universal Credit Replaces
If you claim Universal Credit, the following benefits will stop:
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
Once you claim Universal Credit, you cannot return to the legacy benefits listed above, even if your Universal Credit claim is unsuccessful. Use a benefits calculator to check you'll be better off before claiming, unless you've received a Migration Notice requiring you to move to Universal Credit.
Benefits You Can Keep
You can receive these benefits alongside Universal Credit:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Carer's Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Contributory Employment and Support Allowance (New Style ESA)
- Contributory Jobseeker's Allowance (New Style JSA)
- State Pension
Note: Some of these benefits will reduce your Universal Credit payment pound-for-pound, while others (like PIP and DLA) do not affect it.
If You're Receiving Tax Credits
Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit ended in April 2025. Most people claiming these benefits have been sent Migration Notices requiring them to move to Universal Credit. If you haven't moved yet and have a health condition, it's crucial to do so before April 2026 to protect your access to the higher LCWRA rate.
Common Questions About Universal Credit
Will working affect my Universal Credit?
Yes, but you can still work and receive Universal Credit. Your Universal Credit is reduced by 55p for every £1 you earn above your work allowance (if you have one). Many people work part-time or full-time and still receive Universal Credit to top up their income.
Work allowances for 2025/26:
- £411 per month if your Universal Credit includes housing costs
- £673 per month if your Universal Credit doesn't include housing costs
What if I'm self-employed?
You can claim Universal Credit if you're self-employed. The DWP will assess your earnings and may apply a "minimum income floor" if you've been self-employed for more than 12 months. However, during the start-up period and if you have certain circumstances (like a health condition), the minimum income floor may not apply.
Will my savings affect my claim?
Savings and capital are treated as follows:
- Under £6,000: No effect on your Universal Credit
- £6,000 to £16,000: Your Universal Credit is reduced by £4.35 for every £250 (or part thereof)
- Over £16,000: You cannot claim Universal Credit (unless this capital is ignored, such as certain personal injury payments)
What if my claim is refused?
If your Universal Credit claim is refused or if you're not awarded the LCWRA element when you think you should be, you have the right to:
- Request a Mandatory Reconsideration (ask the DWP to look at the decision again)
- Appeal to an independent tribunal if you disagree with the Mandatory Reconsideration decision
Citizens Advice, Disability Rights UK, and local welfare rights services can help you with challenges and appeals.
Can I claim if I live with my partner?
Yes, but you must make a joint claim. Both of you will need to create Universal Credit accounts and link them. Your combined income, savings, and circumstances will be assessed together.
Ready to Claim?
Don't let the April 2026 deadline catch you out. If you think you might be eligible for Universal Credit, especially if you have a health condition or disability, start your claim today.
Start Your Claim NowWhy You Must Act Now: Summary
Let's recap why timing is critical:
🔥 Reasons to Claim Before April 6, 2026:
- Protect £2,400 per year: If you have a health condition that qualifies for LCWRA, claiming before April 2026 means you'll receive £423.27 per month instead of £217.26 - a difference of £2,472.12 per year
- Assessment takes time: The Work Capability Assessment process typically takes 3-6 months. Starting now gives you the best chance of being assessed before the deadline
- Lifelong protection: Once you're assessed as having LCWRA before April 6, 2026, you keep the higher rate for as long as you qualify - even if your circumstances change and you claim again in the future
- No downside to claiming: If you're eligible now, there's no benefit to waiting. The standard allowance is increasing slightly, but nowhere near enough to offset the £206 monthly cut to LCWRA
- Financial support now: If you're struggling financially, why wait? Universal Credit could provide essential support immediately
If you're on a low income, out of work, or have a health condition that affects your ability to work, don't delay. Visit GOV.UK, start your Universal Credit claim, and protect your access to vital financial support. The clock is ticking toward April 2026 - every day counts.
Where to Get Help and Advice
You don't have to navigate Universal Credit alone. These organizations provide free, expert advice:
Citizens Advice - Help to Claim
Free support with your Universal Credit claim until you receive your first payment
Get Free Help →Universal Credit Helpline
Official DWP support for claiming Universal Credit
Phone: 0800 328 5644
Conclusion: Don't Leave Money on the Table
Universal Credit exists to support people through difficult financial times, whether that's due to unemployment, low income, caring responsibilities, or health conditions. If you're eligible, claiming is not something to be ashamed of - it's your right and it could be a lifeline.
⏰ Final Reminder
April 6, 2026After this date, new LCWRA claimants will receive £206.01 less per month
That's £2,472.12 less per year - every year
The April 2026 changes make this decision even more time-sensitive for anyone with a health condition or disability. The difference between claiming now and claiming after April 6, 2026 is not just a few pounds - it's potentially thousands of pounds every year for the rest of your life.
Your Next Steps:
- Use a benefits calculator to see what you could get
- Gather your information (National Insurance number, bank details, income details)
- Visit GOV.UK and start your Universal Credit claim
- If you have a health condition, inform the DWP immediately and request a Work Capability Assessment
- Get support from Citizens Advice Help to Claim if you need help
Don't let this deadline pass you by. Protect your financial future - claim Universal Credit today.
Act Now. Claim Today. Protect Your Future.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes and reflects the Universal Credit rules and rates as of October 2025. Benefit rules can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always check GOV.UK for the most current official information or seek personalized advice from Citizens Advice, MoneyHelper, or a welfare rights organization. The April 2026 changes are based on the Universal Credit Act 2025 as currently legislated, but further changes could be announced.