Universal Credit April 2026 Update: How Much You’ll Get and When

The UK government has confirmed important changes to Universal Credit payments from April 6, 2026. These changes affect how much most claimants will receive each month and when those new rates begin. This article explains the update in simple terms so you can understand what’s coming and how it may affect your benefits.

What Is Changing in April 2026?

The standard Universal Credit payment that everyone receives will increase from April 2026. At the same time, the extra amount paid to people with certain health conditions called the LCWRA (Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity) element will change for new claimants. These reforms aim to adjust the benefits system so it better supports people towards work and reflects living costs.

New Standard Universal Credit Rates

From 6 April 2026, the basic payment you get each month will be higher. The amount depends on whether you are single or in a couple and your age:

• Single claimant under 25: increases from ~£316.98 to ~£338.58
• Single claimant aged 25 or over: increases from ~£400.14 to ~£424.90
• Couple both under 25: increases from ~£497.55 to ~£528.34
• Couple with one or both aged 25 or over: increases from ~£628.10 to ~£666.97

These amounts reflect an above-inflation uplift to the standard allowance that all claimants receive.

You will start to receive these higher amounts in your Universal Credit payment after 6 April 2026, usually in your next monthly assessment period. Since Universal Credit is paid to match your assessment period, your first updated payment may arrive a few weeks after the rate change.

Changes to the Health-Related Element (LCWRA)

Universal Credit includes extra money for people whose health condition severely affects their ability to work — called the LCWRA element. This extra monthly amount will change significantly for new claimants after 6 April 2026:

• If you already receive LCWRA before 6 April 2026, your higher rate will continue and be protected.
• If you start a new claim for LCWRA on or after 6 April 2026, the additional payment will drop to about £217.26 per month, roughly half of the current rate.

The government will freeze the new lower rate until at least 2029/30. This makes it important to report a qualifying health condition before April 2026 if you want to secure the higher amount.

How the Timing Works

Universal Credit payments are not always paid exactly on the first of the month. Instead, you get paid about one week after your monthly assessment period ends. For example:

• If your assessment period runs from 6 April to 5 May, you will likely receive your payment around 12–13 May.
• If your assessment period starts after the new rates take effect, all new payments will reflect the updated amounts.

This means your actual payment dates may differ slightly based on your personalised assessment cycle.

What You Should Do Now

If you are eligible for additional elements like LCWRA, it helps to act early:

• Report any qualifying health condition now so you can complete the assessment before April 2026 and secure the higher LCWRA rate.
• Check your assessment period dates to know when you will receive your first updated payment.
• Use the official gov.uk Universal Credit calculator or tool to estimate exactly how much you will receive under the new rates.

What Won’t Change

Some elements of the benefits system are not part of this update:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other separate disability benefits are not directly changed by these Universal Credit rate changes.
• Universal Credit eligibility rules, apart from the LCWRA and standard allowance amounts, remain the same under current legislation.

Summary: Key Points at a Glance

By understanding these changes, you can better plan your finances and make sure you receive the correct Universal Credit amount after April 2026. If you’re unsure how these updates affect you personally, consider contacting Citizens Advice, Turn2us, or the DWP helpline for tailored support.