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LCWRA (limited capacity for work and work-related activity)

You may get more money on top of your standard allowance if you cannot work because of a health condition or disability.

This extra amountÌýof moneyÌýis for people who have limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA).ÌýSome people call this the ‘health element’ or the ‘LCWRA ±ð±ô±ð³¾±ð²Ô³Ù’.

The Universal Credit Act 2025 changed how this extra amount works from 6 April 2026. These changes do not affect you if you are currently getting LCWRA and have been since before 6 April 2026.

What changed from 6 April 2026

°Õ³ó±ðÌýLCWRAÌýextra amountÌýis now paidÌýatÌý2 ratesÌýinstead of one:Ìýa higher rate and a lower rate.

The rate you get depends on:

• when you declared your health condition or disability
• whether you have a severe, lifelongÌýhealthÌýconditionÌýor disability
• if you are nearing the end of your life

When you will get the higher LCWRA amount

YouÌýwillÌýget theÌýhigherÌýamount if any of the following apply:Ìý

• you told us about your health condition or a disability before 6 April 2026,Ìýregardless of the date of the LCWRAÌý»å±ð³¦¾±²õ¾±´Ç²Ô
• you were already getting LCWRA before 6 April 2026
• you had the ‘support group’ÌýcomponentÌýof income-related Employment and Support Allowance before 6ÌýApril 2026 and continue to get it until you claim Universal Credit

Severe, lifelongÌýhealth conditionsÌýor disabilities

You will get the higher amount of LCWRA if either of the following apply:

• you have a severe, lifelong health conditionÌýor disability
• you are nearing your end of life

This applies no matter when you claim.

When you will get the lower LCWRA amount

You will get the lower amount of LCWRA if all the following apply:

• you declare a health condition or disability on or after 6 April 2026
• you do not have a severe, lifelong health condition
• you are not nearing the end of your life
• your partner, if you have one, is not entitled to the higher LCWRA amount

How we assess severe and lifelong conditions and disabilities

A health professional will review yourÌýmedical evidenceÌýas part of a Work Capability Assessment (WCA).Ìý

You will not need to have aÌýWCA ¾±´ÚÌý²â´Ç³Ü’r±ðÌýnearingÌýthe end of your life.

YouÌýwillÌýbe treated as having a severe, lifelong health condition or disabilityÌýifÌýall theseÌýapply. Your health condition or disability:

• means you cannot work
• will last your whole life
• will not get better
• is officially diagnosed by a health professional

If the WCA finds that you have a severe, lifelong health condition or disability you will get a letter after the assessment that tells you this.

If you’re assessed as having a severe, lifelongÌýhealth condition or disability, you will not usually need another assessment.

If you’re part of a couple

If you live with your partner and you both haveÌýLCWRA, you’ll only get one extra monthly amount of LCWRA. If one of you is entitled to the higherÌýamount,Ìýyou will get the higherÌýamount.

If you had limited capability to work before 3 April 2017

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If you have limited capability for work (LCW), you may be eligible for an extra £158.76 per month. You must have started your health-related Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claim before 3 April 2017.