The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that from April 2026, new Universal Credit (UC) claimants with health conditions will receive significantly reduced financial support under revised government rules. The health element of UC, designed to help claimants with disabilities or health issues, will be cut from £97 a week to just £50 for most new applicants.
This change marks the first step in the government’s efforts to reduce welfare spending, though it has sparked strong criticism from campaigners and disability advocates who warn the cuts could cause considerable harm to vulnerable individuals. Notably, the cuts will not affect existing claimants, following significant pressure and opposition from MPs and disability groups.
The reduction will apply to all new claimants except those with the most serious and lifelong conditions, who will continue to receive the original amount, adjusted annually with inflation. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the creation of a two-tier system, where new claimants receive lower support than existing ones despite similar circumstances.
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In contrast to the health element cut, the UC standard allowance is set to increase above the rate of inflation starting next April. Wider government plans to reduce support through changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) have been paused pending an independent review.
Citizens Advice commented that while it is positive the government responded to widespread concern, the structure of the new UC health payment rules is flawed and risks harming disabled people. They emphasized that maintaining support for current claimants and those meeting the new severe conditions criteria is vital, but highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by the reduced support for other new claimants.