Starting in April 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will reduce the Universal Credit health-related payment for new claimants from £416 to £208 per month. While current recipients won’t be impacted until 2030, anyone applying after the deadline must prepare for tougher assessments and less financial support.
This guide breaks down the changes, who will be affected, and what you can do now to protect your benefits.
Key Details at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Affected | Universal Credit Health Element |
| Monthly Cut | £416.19 ➝ £208.10 (for new applicants only) |
| Effective From | April 2025 |
| Who’s Affected? | New claimants with disabilities or long-term health conditions |
| Assessment Changes | Work Capability Assessment to be scrapped by 2028 |
| Why? | Government aims to cut £5B from welfare annually |
| Estimated Impact | 440,000 new claimants affected by 2028 |
| Projected Savings | Over £5 billion annually by 2030 |
Why Are These Cuts Happening?
The government plans to reduce overall welfare spending as it anticipates welfare costs will rise from £48 billion in 2024 to £67 billion by 2030. As part of this effort, Universal Credit’s health-related payments for new applicants will be cut in half.
Ministers say these reforms will “focus resources on those with the highest needs” and encourage people to return to work. However, disability advocates warn the policy could push vulnerable people into financial crisis, especially those with fluctuating conditions or invisible illnesses.
Who Will Be Impacted?
New Claimants from April 2025 Onward
If you’re already receiving the Universal Credit health element, you’ll continue to get the full £416.19 until at least 2030. But anyone applying from April 2025 will receive only £208.10.
People with Long-Term Illness or Disability
This includes individuals with:
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Chronic pain or fatigue (e.g. fibromyalgia, ME/CFS)
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Mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety)
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Neurodivergent conditions (e.g. autism, ADHD)
The government will prioritize those with the “most significant” needs, but that leaves many moderate cases with reduced support.
What’s Changing in the Assessment Process?
1. End of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA)
By 2028, the WCA will be scrapped. Instead, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments will be used to decide whether you qualify for extra Universal Credit support.
2. Stricter PIP Rules
PIP criteria will also become tougher, especially for those with fluctuating or “invisible” conditions. This could lead to fewer people qualifying for either benefit.
Who’s Most at Risk?
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Young adults (18–24) with limited work history
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Parents of disabled children relying on both UC and PIP
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Those with mental health conditions or episodic disabilities
According to the Child Poverty Action Group, these changes could drive 50,000 additional children into poverty.
What You Can Do to Prepare
1. Apply Before April 2025
If you’re eligible, apply before the April 2025 deadline to lock in the higher £416 rate.
2. Start Your PIP Application Now
Because PIP will be the new qualifying factor for health-related UC, getting your PIP claim submitted early is essential.
3. Speak to a Benefits Advisor
Services like Citizens Advice, Turn2Us, and local disability rights groups can help you:
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Understand your options
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Appeal decisions
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Access emergency funds
4. Gather Medical Evidence
Support your claim with:
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GP letters
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Hospital reports
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Therapist or psychologist documentation
5. Check for Local Support
Some councils offer:
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Emergency grants
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Foodbank referrals
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Housing assistance
Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Story
Sarah, 28, lives with fibromyalgia. She applied for Universal Credit in March 2025, just before the changes. She receives the full £416.19/month. Her friend, diagnosed with the same condition, applied two months later and only receives £208.10.
That £200/month difference has made it harder for her friend to pay rent and access necessary care.
For Professionals: What You Need to Know
If you’re a social worker, benefits advisor, or housing officer:
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Inform clients of the April 2025 deadline
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Help with PIP application prep
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Support appeals and provide letters of support
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Refer clients to local mental health and financial services
FAQs :
Will my current Universal Credit be cut?
No. If you’re already receiving the health-related element, your payment won’t change until at least 2030.
When do the new cuts take effect?
From April 2025, only new claimants will receive the reduced amount.
Can I appeal the lower rate?
You can appeal your eligibility decision, but you can’t appeal the policy change itself.
How does this affect PIP?
PIP itself won’t be cut, but the criteria will get stricter. Your PIP eligibility will determine if you get the UC health element after 2028.
How many people will this affect?
About 440,000 new claimants are expected to be impacted between 2025 and 2028.
Is there any way to avoid this cut?
Yes – apply before April 2025 if you’re eligible. After that, you’ll receive the lower rate.
Are other benefits being cut?
So far, this policy targets Universal Credit’s health element only. But more welfare reforms may follow.
Where can I get help now?
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Your local council for grants and support services
Final Takeaway
If you or someone you know may need to claim Universal Credit due to a health condition, do not delay. Applying before April 2025 could mean the difference between receiving £416 or £208 per month. Speak to an advisor, prepare your documents, and stay informed.
Labour Government Are Disgusting party with ever Had why don’t they stop Everything and I’ve done with it who’s Checking there accounts know body I bet. This is From a 76 years old man who is disabled and can’t hardly walk they always put money before lifes Stewart in West Yorkshire