Universal Credit Deadline Could Cost You Over £2,400 in Extra Payments

If you’re planning to apply for Universal Credit and have a health condition, disability, or long-term illness, there’s an urgent deadline you need to be aware of—missing it could cost you thousands of pounds.

Universal Credit includes an additional payment known as the ‘limited capability for work-related activity’ (LCWRA) element, which currently adds £423.27 a month to your benefit. However, starting from April 6, 2026, this amount will be significantly reduced to just £217.26 per month for new claimants.

What does this mean? If you submit your first Universal Credit claim and qualify for LCWRA before April 5, 2026, you will continue receiving the higher payment, which is set to increase slightly to £429.80 from April. But if you apply after this deadline, you’ll be locked into the lower payment rate—losing out on £206 per month, or £2,472 over a year.

To qualify for the LCWRA element, you must inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that your health condition or disability affects your ability to work. Typically, the DWP will assess whether you have “limited capability for work” (LCW) or the more severe “limited capability for work-related activity” (LCWRA). Only those with LCWRA receive the additional payment.

Keep in mind, there is usually a three-month waiting period after your claim is accepted before you start receiving the LCWRA element. This makes it crucial to apply and report your health condition as early as possible. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to contact the DWP sometime between December 6, 2025, and January 5, 2026, to ensure you benefit from the higher payment.

In summary, if you have a qualifying health condition and need Universal Credit, it is vital to submit your claim and notify the DWP before April 5, 2026. Acting promptly can secure you an extra £200 per month, protecting your income from a significant reduction.