Universal Credit changes for 2026

If you receive Universal Credit the amount you get will change.

Your monthly Universal Credit payment is made up of a standard allowance plus any additional payments you might get based on your circumstances.

Universal Credit standard allowance

Everyone’s Universal Credit includes a ‘standard allowance’. How much you get depends on your age and if you live with a partner.

The standard amount will increase for everyone in April 2026. We’ll update you on how much this increase will be when the government publish the figures later this year.

You can check the current standard allowance you can get on Universal Credit.

If you have a long-term health condition or a disability

You might also be affected by the April 2026 changes if you get an additional payment with your Universal Credit because you have a long-term health condition or a disability.

This payment is called the 'limited capability for work-related activity' (LCWRA) element. This is £423.27 extra each month. If you already get the LCWRA element, you don’t need to do anything. The amount you get will not go down because of the April 2026 changes.

However, people who start receiving the LCWRA element after 5 April 2026 will receive a smaller amount (£217.26 a month).

If you’re thinking of applying for LCWRA with Universal Credit, you should do this as soon as possible. If you start getting the LCWRA element before 6 April 2026, you’ll keep getting the current, higher rate.

Other benefits

If you receive any other benefits, they will not be affected by the changes in April 2026 as the changes only apply to Universal Credit. For example, if you get Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it will not be affected by these changes.

We’ll update you with more details and advice as we find out more from the government.

Remember, it is worth checking that you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. Our friendly Money and Debt Advice team are also on hand to offer confidential advice and support on all aspects of claiming benefits, tackling debt and managing money. Contact them via email or call 023 8083 2339 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.