Universal Credit health element for under-25s explained: What it is, what has changed and what could happen at the Budget

Thousands of young people can claim extra Universal Credit if they have a disability or long-term health condition.

This is known as the health element of Universal Credit or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element.

The rules already changed earlier this year in April 2026, with the health element now paid at two different rates.

Now ministers are said to be considering more major changes to this support for under-25s.

This is how the benefit works, who can get it and how it could change.

What is the Universal Credit health element?

The Universal Credit health element is an extra payment that can be added to a Universal Credit claim if a person has a health condition or disability that affects their ability to work.

Claimants may qualify for the extra amount if they are found to have Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA).

This is usually referred to as the health element of Universal Credit and simply means the claimant's condition significantly limits their ability to work.

People in this group do not have to look for work as part of their Universal Credit claim.

The health element is paid in addition to a standard Universal Credit allowance.

To qualify, you will generally need to go through a Work Capability Assessment (WCA), which looks at how your health condition or disability affects your ability to work.

How much is the Universal Credit health element?

The amount depends on when a claimant's health condition was assessed, as well as the severity of their health condition.

From April 2026, there are two LCWRA rates.

The higher LCWRA rate is £429.80 per month and the lower rate is £217.26 per month.

The £217.26 lower rate generally applies to people who report a health condition or disability from 6 April 2026 and don't have a severe, lifelong condition or meet the other criteria for the higher rate.

The higher rate applies if you were claiming LCWRA before April 2026, told Universal Credit about your health condition or disability before 6 April 2026, or meet the criteria for a severe, lifelong condition.

These rates don't depend on age.

What counts as a severe, lifelong health condition?

All of the following must apply to be counted as having a severe, lifelong condition:

• your condition means you cannot work

• it will last your whole life

• it will not get better

• it has been officially diagnosed by a health professional.

A health professional will review your medical evidence as part of the Work Capability Assessment.

If the assessment finds that you have a severe, lifelong health condition or disability, you will receive a letter confirming this.

You will not usually need another assessment if you have been assessed as having a severe, lifelong condition.

How could the Universal Credit health element change for under 25s?

Ministers are now considering removing the health element of Universal Credit for people aged under 25 entirely, according to reports.

Instead, there could be a package of employment support designed to help younger people move into work.

Ministers are said to be considering whether this could apply only to new claimants or to some existing claimants too.

Any changes would likely be announced at the Budget later this month on 28 October.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled that he wants to reduce the UK's welfare bill and cutting the health element for under 25s could be one way of doing this.

Can you get PIP and the Universal Credit health element?

Yes, you can claim Universal Credit, the health element of Universal Credit, and Personal Independent Payments (PIP) at the same time.

PIP helps with the extra costs of having a long-term health condition or disability, while the Universal Credit health element is additional Universal Credit for people whose health condition or disability limits their ability to work.

For example, someone with a long-term health condition could claim Universal Credit because they are on a low income.

The could also receives PIP because they need help with everyday activities or getting around.

And they could receives the UC LCWRA health element because their condition significantly affects their ability to work.