The health element of Universal Credit offers vital financial support to individuals in the UK who are unable to work due to long-term health conditions or disabilities.
As part of the benefits system, this element ensures that those facing serious health challenges receive extra help each month.
Understanding how it works, who qualifies, and how much you can receive is essential, especially with updates introduced in 2025. This guide breaks down everything you need to know clearly and simply.
What is the Health Element of Universal Credit?
The health element of Universal Credit is an additional payment made to individuals who have a health condition or disability that limits their ability to work.
It is designed to provide extra financial support to people who face health-related challenges that impact their work capability. This element ensures that those who are struggling due to mental or physical health conditions are not left behind in the benefits system.
Universal Credit is the UK’s flagship welfare benefit system, introduced to streamline and replace six legacy benefits into one monthly payment.
Among the various components of Universal Credit, the health element is one of the most significant for individuals who are unable to work due to health conditions or disabilities.
The benefit includes a core standard allowance, and additional elements can be added, such as for children, carers, housing, and health-related circumstances.
How Much is the Health Element of Universal Credit?
As of 2025, the amount awarded for the health element within Universal Credit depends on the claimant’s assessed level of work capability.
The most relevant payment for claimants with significant health barriers is under the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) group.
For individuals in the LCWRA group, the additional monthly amount is £390.06. This amount is paid on top of the standard Universal Credit allowance, offering substantial support for those unable to engage in any form of work or work-related activity due to their health.
For those assessed as having Limited Capability for Work (LCW), the situation is slightly different. The LCW element no longer comes with additional payments for most new Universal Credit claimants as of 2017.
However, claimants who were receiving this payment before this date and haven’t had a break in their claim might still continue to receive it.
Important Points
- LCWRA Payment (2025): £390.06 per month
- LCW Payment: No longer available to new claimants
- Assessment Requirement: Mandatory Work Capability Assessment
- Waiting Period: Usually three months before payment begins
Who Qualifies for the Health Element in Universal Credit?
To qualify for the health element in Universal Credit, individuals must be assessed as having a health condition or disability that significantly impacts their ability to work.
This qualification process involves several steps, primarily centred around a Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
The first requirement is for the claimant to submit a fit note (previously known as a sick note) from a healthcare professional confirming that they are unfit to work due to a health condition. This triggers the Work Capability Assessment process.
The assessment is then used to place the claimant in one of the following groups:
- Limited Capability for Work (LCW): The individual may be able to prepare for work in the future but is currently unable to work.
- Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA): The individual is considered unable to work or prepare for work due to their health condition.
Only those in the LCWRA group are entitled to the additional health element payment in 2025.
Eligibility Factors
- Submission of a valid fit note
- Completion of a Work Capability Assessment
- Approval by the DWP for LCWRA status
- Claimant must not already be receiving similar support through other legacy benefits without transition
Some individuals are exempt from the waiting period and fast-tracked into LCWRA. This includes people receiving cancer treatment or those with terminal illnesses.
Those already transitioning from Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and receiving the equivalent Support Group rate are usually granted LCWRA status automatically. However, they may still be asked to complete a new assessment under Universal Credit rules.
What is the Difference Between LCW and LCWRA?
Understanding the difference between Limited Capability for Work (LCW) and Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) is essential when determining how much additional support a person might receive under Universal Credit.
The two categories are part of the Work Capability Assessment and serve different purposes:
LCW (Limited Capability for Work)
- The individual is not expected to work immediately.
- They must attend work-focused interviews and may be asked to undertake training or other preparation for eventual employment.
- As of 2017, new claimants in this group do not receive any additional financial element under Universal Credit.
- Individuals may still receive standard Universal Credit payments.
LCWRA (Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity)
- The individual is considered unable to work or take part in any work-related activities.
- They are not required to look for work or attend jobcentre appointments.
- Claimants receive an extra £390.06 per month in addition to their standard allowance.
- This group includes individuals with serious, long-term physical or mental health issues.
The key financial benefit is tied to the LCWRA designation. It also removes certain responsibilities that LCW claimants still carry, such as job-search requirements or mandatory meetings. Because of this, being assessed under LCWRA is both more protective and more generous.
How is the Health Element Assessed and Awarded?
The process of being awarded the health element under Universal Credit begins with a health-related issue that affects the ability to work. Once a claimant declares their health condition, the Department for Work and Pensions initiates the assessment journey.
The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is the central tool used to evaluate whether someone has a Limited Capability for Work or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity. This process typically includes:
- Fit Note Submission: A claimant must first submit a fit note from their GP or hospital doctor explaining their inability to work.
- UC50 Form Completion: The claimant will then be asked to fill in a UC50 form that provides detailed information about how their condition affects their daily life and work capacity.
- Health Assessment Appointment: This may be conducted in person, via phone, or over video call, depending on the claimant’s condition and availability of assessors.
- Medical Evidence Review: Additional documents such as consultant letters, prescription records, or therapy notes may be requested to support the claim.
- DWP Decision: A decision-maker at the DWP will review the case and decide whether the claimant falls into the LCW or LCWRA category.
Points to Consider
- The average waiting time for a WCA decision is three months.
- Payments only begin after the assessment period.
- Backdating is rare and usually only allowed under specific circumstances.
- The health element is automatically added once LCWRA status is confirmed.
Accuracy and clarity in the UC50 form and health evidence are crucial. Vague or incomplete answers may lead to delays or even denial of the claim. It’s advised to be detailed and specific about how health issues limit daily and work-related tasks.
Is the Health Element Being Reduced or Changed in 2025?
Yes, as of 2025, there are significant changes being made to the health element of Universal Credit, particularly relating to how it is awarded and the amount provided.
The most notable change is the planned reduction of the health element for new claimants, as part of government reforms aimed at simplifying the benefit system and promoting workforce re-entry.
The health element, particularly the LCWRA component, is expected to be halved for new claims later in the year. This would reduce the current £390.06 payment significantly.
The government’s argument behind this change is to encourage more people with manageable health conditions to seek employment or participate in training and job readiness programs.
Key Changes in 2025
- The LCWRA payment will be reduced for new applicants later in the year.
- Existing claimants will not be affected immediately.
- The reform includes expanding Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility to compensate for the cut.
- The Work Capability Assessment may be abolished and replaced by new health declaration systems.
These proposed changes have raised concerns among advocacy groups, who argue that halving the payment may cause financial distress to already vulnerable individuals.
While the government asserts that these changes will modernise the system, critics warn it could leave many without adequate support.
It is crucial for those applying for the health element in 2025 to stay updated and act promptly if they suspect changes may affect their eligibility or payments.
Can You Work and Still Get the Health Element of Universal Credit?
It is possible to work and still receive the health element of Universal Credit, but there are strict rules around how much you can earn and the nature of your health condition. The primary deciding factor is whether the individual is placed in the LCWRA group.
Those in the LCWRA group are not expected to look for work or participate in job-related activities. However, if they are capable of doing limited work voluntarily, they can still receive the additional health element.
Conditions Where You Can Work and Receive the Health Element
- The work is minimal and does not contradict the medical condition stated.
- The claimant informs the DWP of their work activity.
- Any income earned is declared through the Universal Credit system.
- The work does not trigger a reassessment of the claimant’s LCWRA status.
Universal Credit also allows for a Work Allowance, which is the amount you can earn before your payment starts to reduce.
In 2025, if you’re receiving the LCWRA element and do not receive housing support, you can earn up to £631 per month before the benefit is affected.
Working too many hours or earning above the threshold may result in reassessment. The DWP may determine that the claimant no longer qualifies for LCWRA, especially if the work appears to contradict the stated medical limitations.
How Long Does It Take to Receive the Health Element After Assessment?
The typical waiting period for receiving the health element of Universal Credit after completing the assessment process is around three months. This waiting time is formally referred to as the assessment period.
Here’s what happens during that time:
- The claimant submits a fit note and begins the assessment process.
- The DWP evaluates medical evidence and conducts a Work Capability Assessment.
- A decision is made about whether the claimant meets LCWRA or LCW criteria.
- Once LCWRA is confirmed, the additional health element payment is scheduled.
Timeline Summary
- Fit note submitted: Day 1 of illness declaration
- UC50 form: Sent within 1–2 weeks of sick note submission
- Assessment appointment: Usually within 4–8 weeks
- DWP decision: Issued within 12 weeks of the start date
- First LCWRA payment: Added from the fourth Universal Credit assessment period
Claimants are often surprised to learn that the extra payment is not immediate. The delay is built into the system and can cause financial difficulty for those without savings or other income. It is advisable to plan for this gap or apply for additional support like a hardship loan.
What Other Support is Available Alongside the Health Element?
Beyond the health element within Universal Credit, claimants with disabilities or long-term health conditions may be entitled to additional support from other parts of the UK welfare system.
These supports are designed to provide financial assistance and services that make daily life more manageable for individuals with health challenges.
Additional Benefits and Support
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): This is a non-means-tested benefit available to people with a long-term physical or mental health condition that affects their ability to carry out daily tasks or move around.
- Carer’s Allowance: If someone is caring for the claimant, they may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
- Disabled Facilities Grant: Local councils may offer grants for home adaptations like stairlifts, walk-in showers, or ramps.
- Council Tax Reduction: Individuals on Universal Credit with health conditions may be eligible for reductions on their Council Tax.
- Budgeting Advance: This is an interest-free loan available to Universal Credit claimants for emergency expenses or essential costs.
- Free prescriptions and dental care: Some claimants are entitled to these on the basis of income and health status.
Conclusion
The health element of Universal Credit provides important financial relief for those affected by illness or disability. With payments of up to £390.06 per month, it supports claimants facing work limitations due to health conditions.
Navigating the process can be complex, but with the right information and documents, eligible individuals can secure the help they need.
As changes to the system emerge in 2025, staying informed and proactive is key to making the most of available support.
FAQs
Can I appeal if my LCWRA claim is denied?
Yes, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and, if needed, proceed to an independent tribunal to appeal the decision.
Is the LCWRA element backdated?
Typically, LCWRA payments begin after the three-month assessment period, and backdating is only granted in exceptional cases.
Do I need to reapply for LCWRA each year?
No, but you may be subject to periodic reassessments, depending on your condition and the DWP’s review cycle.
Does LCWRA affect other benefits like PIP?
No, LCWRA and PIP are separate benefits and can be claimed together without one affecting the other.
What happens if my health improves after receiving LCWRA?
You must report a change in circumstances. This may trigger a reassessment of your eligibility.
How does LCWRA affect my Universal Credit work requirements?
If you’re placed in LCWRA, you’re exempt from job-seeking and work-related activities.
Can I get housing support alongside LCWRA?
Yes, you may be eligible for the housing element of Universal Credit if you pay rent or have housing costs.
