The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is introducing changes to Universal Credit health-related benefits, set to take effect from 6 April 2026. Under the new rules, claimants whose conditions are not considered lifelong or unlikely to improve will face reduced benefit payments.
The government argues that this reform is intended to “rebalance” Universal Credit (UC), aiming to narrow the income gap between those receiving UC health support and those without it. They believe this will encourage more individuals to demonstrate their ability to work by lifting the standard allowance above inflation while decreasing the value of UC health payments.
A key feature of the changes is the introduction of a “severe and lifelong” criteria intended to protect the most vulnerable claimants. The DWP has also pledged to safeguard four specific groups of claimants from these cuts, including those nearing end of life and existing Universal Credit health claimants.
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However, critics warn that the new system could unfairly penalize many seriously ill and disabled individuals. Samuel Thomas, a senior policy adviser at anti-poverty charity Z2K, expressed concerns to the Guardian, stating, “The higher rate of support will only be available to new claimants whose condition is lifelong and shows no prospect of improvement. That rigid test could exclude people who have had strokes or heart attacks, or those with conditions like cancer or schizophrenia. Seriously ill and disabled people facing years of significant difficulty risk being placed on a lower rate simply because recovery, however partial or distant, cannot be ruled out.”
James Taylor, director of strategy at Scope, echoed these concerns, warning that the new rules effectively create a two-tier Universal Credit system. “Two people with similar conditions and extra costs could receive different amounts,” he said. “The severe conditions criteria, while designed to protect some, may add uncertainty and inconsistency in how assessors interpret and apply the new standards.”
In response, the DWP clarified that assessments focus on the impact of a claimant’s condition rather than the condition alone. They emphasized that the new criteria aim to protect those unlikely ever to work due to severe lifelong disabilities or health issues. “Those with the most severe, lifelong conditions, those nearing end of life, and all existing Universal Credit health claimants will continue to receive the higher rate,” the department confirmed.
As the policy change approaches, many disabled claimants and advocacy groups remain concerned about how these new assessments will affect support for vulnerable individuals across the UK.