The changes affect people differently depending on when they reported their health condition and the nature of that condition. According to reports, new rules introduced on 6 April 2026 created two rates for the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element, while existing recipients may continue to receive the higher amount.
At the same time, benefit claimants travelling overseas are being reminded that different benefits have different rules. People receiving Universal Credit should report trips abroad through their online journal before leaving, while longer periods abroad may be permitted for some disability benefits.
Who Can Receive the £217 Universal Credit Payment
The lower LCWRA payment is worth £217.26 a month and can be added to a claimant’s standard Universal Credit allowance. According to the Daily Express, the lower rate applies to some people who declared a health condition or disability on or after 6 April 2026 and were assessed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity. Those receiving the lower amount must not have a severe, lifelong health condition, be nearing the end of their life or have a partner who qualifies for the higher LCWRA amount.
A higher payment of £429.80 a month remains available in certain circumstances. This includes people who informed the Department for Work and Pensions about their condition before 6 April 2026, people already receiving LCWRA before that date and those who transferred from the Employment and Support Allowance support group.
People with a severe, lifelong health condition or disability, as well as those nearing the end of their life, may also qualify for the higher rate. Eligibility is normally determined through a Work Capability Assessment. A health professional considers the medical evidence supplied, although people nearing the end of their life generally do not need to undergo the assessment.
To be considered as having a severe, lifelong condition, the condition must generally prevent the person from working, be expected to last for the remainder of their life, not be expected to improve and have been formally diagnosed by a health professional.
Travel Rules Can Also Affect Universal Credit and Disability Benefits
Benefit claimants planning to travel abroad have separate responsibilities relating to their payments. According to the Daily Mirror, Universal Credit can normally continue for up to one month while a claimant is abroad, provided that person remains eligible. Claimants are expected to report the trip through their Universal Credit journal before travelling and inform their work coach. Rebecca Lamb of financial support group Money Wellness said different benefits operate under different rules and warned claimants not to assume the same requirements apply to every payment.
For Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance, people can usually travel abroad for up to 13 weeks before their benefit is affected. The period can extend to 26 weeks when the trip is for medical treatment. People receiving disability or carer’s benefits should tell the office responsible for their payment if they plan to be abroad for more than four weeks.
Claimants are also advised to make sure their normal household payments remain covered during a trip. Lamb said people can otherwise return home to bank charges or letters chasing unpaid bills after missing rent, mortgage, utility, debt or direct debit payments while away.
