Labor Divisive welfare schemes A final vote has passed in Parliament, which paves the way for change Universal loan It will affect All 7.5 million contenders.
Government The change in personal freedom payment (PIP) was removed from its welfare bill following the threat of a major backbenth rebellion by more than 100 labor MPs.
health and Disability-Linked benefits will now be fully subject to the review. However, the changes in the ‘Universal Credit Bill’ will still be changed to payment rates for all.
While the standard rate of universal credit will be seen as an above mentioned growth for all claimants, the health -related element will be severely cut for new contenders.
Charities and campaigners continue to criticize the revised bill, arguing that there will be a ‘two-tier’ system for new contenders to cut the health element.
Jane Clarke, Head of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of Amnesty International, said: “It is a great disappointment that voting has been done through this bill.
“The remaining cuts for universal credit will create a two-level system, where new contenders or diseases that differ day by day, such as mental health conditions and multiple sclerosis, are left at a serious risk of pushing into poverty.”
Bill progress, work and pension secretary marking Liz Kendal Said: “Our reforms are designed on the principle of fairness, fixing a system that has left those trapped in a cycle of very long dependence.
“We are giving additional support to millions of houses across the country, while giving disabled people a chance to work without fear of results, if things do not work.”
Here health and disability benefits claimants need to know about changes:
Health related elements are cut off of universal credit
From April 2026, the monthly payment rate for the health related elements of universal credit for new contenders will be deducted from £ 423.27 to £ 217.26. This rate will also be frozen by 2029.
The health-related element of universal credit refers to the top ups that are provided to those who are evaluated as being in limited capacity to the work and work-related activity (LCRWA) group. It means that WPP Their conditions are considered very serious to prevent them from being able to work or work.
It is a decrease of £ 206 per month, cutting the additional rate for only less than half. The amount paid to the contenders weekly will go from about £ 100 to £ 50.
This means that it is appropriate for anyone who believes that they may be eligible for the health related elements of universal credit to apply for it before April 2026. After this date, additional top ups will be severely reduced to the newest contenders, even if they have the same health status as the 2026 contender.
However, there are some exceptions. The DWP has confirmed that with 12 months or less, new contenders or the criteria of serious conditions will achieve the previous rate to meet the criteria, and see it an increase with minimal inflation.
Currently there are around 200,000 people in the critical condition criteria group – people who have severe, lifelong conditions, which mean they are unlikely to recover. Under the plans, those in this group will not be called for a revaluation that may reduce their profit eligibility.
Currently, any person receiving elements related to the health of universal credit will claim the standard allowance of profit, which is paid to all claimants. The government’s welfare schemes will increase this basic rate above inflation by 2029 every year.
