Introduction
You might get an extra amount of Universal Credit if you have a health condition or disability that limits how much work you can do. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) refers to this as your ‘capability to work’. Only claimants with LCWRA (limited capacity for work and work-related activity) will be awarded this element. The Limited Capacity for Work (LCW) element was stopped in April 2017.
If you have a disability or health condition
You might get an extra monthly amount if you cannot work because of a health condition, disability or long-term illness.
| How much you’ll get | Extra monthly amount |
|---|---|
| If you have a severe health condition or disability that’s unlikely to change or you are nearing the end of your life | £429.80 |
| If your health condition or disability is assessed as less severe or your condition may improve over time | £217.26 |
You may get more money on top of your standard allowance if you cannot work because of a health condition or disability.
This extra amount of money is for people who have limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA). Some people call this the ‘health element’ or the ‘LCWRA element’.
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.
The LCWRA extra amount is now paid at 2 rates instead of one: a 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, lifelong health condition or disability
- if you are nearing the end of your life
When you will get the higher LCWRA amount
You will get the higher amount if any of the following apply:
- you told us about your health condition or a disability before 6 April 2026, regardless of the date of the LCWRA decision
- you were already getting LCWRA before 6 April 2026
- you had the ‘support group’ component of income-related Employment and Support Allowance before 6 April 2026 and continue to get it until you claim Universal Credit
Severe, lifelong health conditions or disabilities
You will get the higher amount of LCWRA if either of the following apply:
- you have a severe, lifelong health condition or 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 DWP assess severe and lifelong conditions and disabilities
A health professional will review your medical evidence as part of a Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
You will not need to have a WCA if you’re nearing the end of your life.
You will be treated as having a severe, lifelong health condition or disability if all these apply. 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, lifelong health 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 have LCWRA, you’ll only get one extra monthly amount of LCWRA. If one of you is entitled to the higher amount, you will get the higher amount.
If you live with your partner and you both have limited capability for work and work-related activity, you’ll only get one extra monthly amount. You’ll get the higher amount if one of you is eligible for it.
If you get the severe disability premium and you’re moving to Universal Credit, you might also be entitled to a ‘transitional protection’ payment.
When you apply for Universal Credit, you can report if you have a health condition or disability that affects your ‘capability to work’.
This could mean that you:
- need support in work
- need to find suitable work
- are unable to work temporarily or long term
You can still work if you feel able to or if you find suitable work. Find out more about getting Universal Credit if you work.
How to report your health condition or disability
You’ll need to provide details about your health condition, such as:
- medical treatments you’re receiving
- if you’re in or expecting to go into hospital
- if you’re pregnant
You do not need to provide these if you’re nearing the end of life.
If you already claim Universal Credit, you must report any change of circumstances straight away, including:
- changes to your health condition, for example it gets better or worse
- a new health condition
You can do this in your Universal Credit account.
Fit notes
You must get a fit note (also known as a ‘sick note’) if your health condition or disability affects your capability to work for longer than 7 days.
You might not need to get a fit note if you’ve moved or are moving from Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit.
You’ll be asked to provide details from your fit note in your account.
You can get a fit note from one of the following healthcare professionals:
- GP or hospital doctor
- registered nurse
- occupational therapist
- pharmacist
- physiotherapist
It can be printed or digital.
If your health condition or disability affects your capability to work for longer than 28 days, you may need to have a Work Capability Assessment. You must continue to get fit notes until you’ve been sent a decision about your assessment.
When your fit note expires
If your health still affects your capability to work you must get a new fit note when it expires.
You’ll get a reminder before your fit note expires. The reminder will include the date you need to report a new one by.
You’ll need to update the details with your new fit note in your account. If you do not, you may need to attend an appointment with your work coach to discuss your claimant commitment.
If you do not get a new fit note you may be expected to work or look for work.
If you need a Work Capability Assessment
The Work Capability Assessment is to help decide how much your health condition or disability limits your capability to work.
You might not get an assessment if you earn over £881 a month.
If you need an assessment, you’ll get a letter telling you what you need to do.
Before your assessment, you’ll need to complete a ‘Capability for Work’ (WCA50) health questionnaire. You’ll be able to send copies of other medical information with this, such as treatment plans or test results.
The assessment can be in person, by video call or on the phone.
You can have someone else with you, for example a friend or support worker.
Before your assessment decision
Until a decision can be made on your Work Capability Assessment, you’ll either:
- get the standard allowance, if you’re making a new claim
- continue getting the same Universal Credit amount, if you’re reporting a change of circumstances
You must continue to get fit notes and provide details about them in your account until you’ve been sent a decision about your assessment. If you do not get a new fit note you may be expected to work or look for work.
Last Updated on June 3, 2026 by Ashford Advice