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Clarification on the Health Element of Universal Credit

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20 hours 3 minutes ago #307522 by Mumbo_Jumbo
I am confused about the Health Element of Universal Credit. Has it started yet?

My understanding to date is that when starts, only those on PIP will get it? And so, if you're still on DLA (even if you're in the LCWRA Group), then you will get the reduced rate for UC Health Element?

But.., the way the bill reads to me makes it sounds like if you're already on UC in the LCWRA Group, then you will be protected, it doesn't mention PIP as a criteria:

'The bill would reduce the UC health element for new claimants from 6 April 2026 and then freeze the rate from 2027/28 to 2029/30.'

- Source: Cover page, 2nd paragraph

and:

'The bill would reduce the UC LCWRA rate for new UC claimants from 6 April 2026 by approximately half, to £217.26. This would create two LCWRA rates—the existing rate for current claimants and for new claimants with SREL or SCC, and a reduced LCWRA rate for all other new claimants from April 2026'

- Source: Page 5, section 2.1.


To me, that reads that if you're on UC now and in the LCWRA group, you get the existing rate? I'm not sure how CB ESA fits into this though.

Is the benefits and work team still trying to clarify this? I understand that to date, much of the focus has been on stopping/changing the bill but there's still a lot of confusion over this.

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14 hours 45 minutes ago #307560 by latetrain
Hi Mumbo_Jumbo

The UC Bill has now been passed by the House of Commons.

This means that the value of the LCWRA Element will halve (to £217.26) for those UC claimants who become entitled to it on or after 6th April 2026 (unless an exception applies).

These changes don't just affect new claims for UC after April 2026, they also affect existing UC claimants - including those who currently have LCW.

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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