News & Events

Did you know that the Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) rate changed in April 2026? 

Your Universal Credit (UC) now has two different LCWRA Element rates: 

• Protected rate: £429.80 per month 

• New lower rate: £217.26 per month 

A higher protected rate will depend on whether you qualify as a pre‑2026 claimant. 

Who is a pre‑2026 claimant? 

A claimant keeps the higher LCWRA rate if they fall into one of these groups: 

• You’ve received the LCWRA element by 5 April 2026. 

• You’re on UC by 5 April 2026 and already in the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) process (or appealing/challenging a decision) and later found to have LCWRA. 

• If you’re treated as having LCWRA prior to the 6 April 2026, even if an LCWRA element is not included in your payment.  

• You make a UC claim after 6 April 2026 but were entitled to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with a Support Component on or before 5 April 2026 and remained continuously entitled up to claiming UC. 

Residents who are awarded LCWRA after that date will usually receive a lower amount, unless they have a terminal illness or meet the Severe Conditions Criteria. 

Very important key deadlines and actions 

What options do you have now? 

Even if you may have missed the deadline, some limited options may still exist: 

• If a claimant is eligible for New Style ESA alongside UC and is awarded LCWRA, this can be backdated up to 3 months in some cases. 

• If this then gives LCWRA eligibility on ESA from on or before 6th April 2026, they will be treated as a pre-2026 claimant and eligible for the higher amount on UC. 

• If UC was previously told about a health condition, but DWP failed to start the Work Capability Assessments, backdating may be possible. 

• Anyone with a WCA decision in the last 13 months may still be able to request a Mandatory Reconsideration. 

For more information, please watch our latest video on LCWRA. 

If you like to discuss your UC, LCWRA or have any other questions, please get in touch with our Income team by calling 020 8680 7532, freephone 0800 054 6710 or emailing income@ccha.biz.