Universal Credit Changes 2026: What's Changing from April
Three significant Universal Credit changes took effect from 6 April 2026 under the Universal Credit Act 2025. Whether they leave you better or worse off depends mainly on your family size and whether you have a health condition, here's what changed and what to check.
- ✓Standard allowance rose above inflation: single 25+ now £424.90/month (was £400.14)
- ✓Two-child limit abolished, a child element for every child you're responsible for
- ✓New two-tier health element: protected rate £429.80, new-claimant rate £217.26
- ✓Lower LCWRA rate is frozen until 2029/30 (won't rise with inflation)
- ✓Existing LCWRA claimants and protected groups keep the higher rate
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1. Standard allowance increased above inflation
From 6 April 2026, the UC standard allowance rose by more than inflation, the first of several above-inflation rises planned each year up to 2029/30. The new monthly rates are:
These are monthly amounts. See our full UC amounts guide for elements, the taper rate and worked examples.
2. The two-child limit has been abolished
From 6 April 2026, the two-child limit no longer applies to Universal Credit. Previously, most families could only get a child element for their first two children. Now you can receive a child element for every child you are responsible for, including third and subsequent children.
3. New two-tier health element (LCWRA)
The biggest change affects the UC health element, the extra amount paid to people found to have Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA). From 6 April 2026 there are now two rates:
The lower rate is also frozen until 2029/30, meaning it will not rise with inflation.
Who keeps the higher (protected) rate?
You keep the higher health element (and it continues to rise with inflation each year) if you are in one of these groups:
- ✓You were already receiving the UC LCWRA element before 6 April 2026
- ✓You were getting the ESA Support Component when you moved to UC
- ✓You meet the Severe Conditions Criteria (a severe, lifelong condition with constant limitations)
- ✓You are terminally ill (claiming under the special rules)
- ✓You are reassessed and found to have a worsening condition that meets the criteria
What you should do
- ✓Check your April 2026 UC statement to confirm your standard allowance increased
- ✓If you have 3+ children, check a child element now shows for each child
- ✓If you have a health condition, find out whether you fall under the higher or lower health element
- ✓If you think you meet the Severe Conditions Criteria but are on the lower rate, get advice
- ✓Report any change in your circumstances or condition through your UC journal
Get instant help right now
A Citizens Advice appointment can take weeks. Our free assistant is available 24/7 with no appointment, giving you clear, step-by-step answers about your exact situation, what to do next, and the deadlines that matter.
Need to take action? It can draft a ready-to-send formal letter for you (optional, from £4.99).
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main Universal Credit changes in 2026?
From 6 April 2026, three main things changed: the standard allowance rose above inflation, the two-child limit was abolished (so you get a child element for every child), and a new two-tier health element began, new LCWRA claimants get about £217.26 a month instead of the £429.80 protected rate that existing claimants keep.
Has the two-child limit been scrapped?
Yes. The two-child limit was abolished for Universal Credit on 6 April 2026. Families can now receive a child element for every child they are responsible for, including third and subsequent children, not just the first two.
How much is the UC health element in 2026?
There are two rates from 6 April 2026. The higher, protected rate is £429.80 a month and applies to existing LCWRA claimants and protected groups (such as the Severe Conditions Criteria or terminally ill). The lower rate of £217.26 a month applies to new claimants found to have LCWRA on or after 6 April 2026, and is frozen until 2029/30.
Will my Universal Credit go down in 2026?
For most people, no. The standard allowance went up, and existing health element claimants keep the higher protected rate. The reduced health element only affects people newly found to have limited capability for work-related activity from 6 April 2026 onwards.
What is the UC standard allowance for a single person over 25 in 2026?
From 6 April 2026 the standard allowance for a single person aged 25 or over is £424.90 a month, up from £400.14. This is part of a planned above-inflation increase running to 2029/30.
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