What Are The Planned Changes To Universal Credit?

From 6 April 2026, the Government is making changes to Universal Credit payments. The changes will apply across the UK.

To help reduce any worry you might have about these changes, we’ll explain exactly what the changes are and what it means in terms of payments for you and your family from April next year. For more information visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/check-how-universal-credit-is-changing-in-2026/

Why Is Universal Credit Changing?

In July 2025, the Universal Credit Bill was passed by Government, and this introduced the changes to be made to this benefit from April 2026. These changes to Universal Credit are designed to encourage more people who are able to find work, to seek employment.

What Are The Changes To Universal Credit?

The amount of Universal Credit that you receive is made up of:

• A standard allowance
• Any additional payments based on your circumstances

As a guide, the changes coming into force from 6 April 2026, are:

• The standard allowance rate is increasing from £91/week to £98/week
• The Limited Capability to Work Related Activity (LCWRA) element for individuals is reducing to £217.26/month and then being frozen for each year to 2029/30
• A ‘protected’ LCWRA rate of £423.27/month will remain for existing claimants and for new claimants who have severe conditions and aren’t expected to work for a long time or who are terminally ill

Individuals already in receipt of the LCWRA element of Universal Credit will continue to receive the same, higher amount of £423.27/month.

If you apply for the LCWRA element and start receiving it before 6 April 2026, you’ll remain on this higher rate. If you start getting this payment after 6 April 2026, it will be at the new, lower rate of £217.26/month.

Nehemiah Is Here To Help & Support

Changes to benefits like Universal Credit can be overwhelming – but we’re here to help if you want to talk to us about the changes or if you’re worried how the changes might affect you and your family.

You can also get help and advice from Birmingham based charity Birmingham Settlement https://www.birminghamsettlement.org.uk/money-advice/ or email money.advice@bsettlement.org.uk or Telephone 0121 250 0777

You can also contact your Housing Officer or call us on 0121 358 0966 or email contact@nehemiah.co.uk and we will do all we can to support you.