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Universal Credit Changes 2026 Could Cost Disabled People £2,400 a Year — What You Need to Know
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
January 7, 2026
The universal credit changes 2026 could leave disabled people and those with long-term health conditions up to £2,400 a year worse off, and many people still do not realise they may be affected.
At the centre of the changes is the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element, which currently provides extra financial support to people whose health limits their ability to work. Under reforms planned for 2026, new claimants assessed after the deadline may no longer receive this support in the same way, even if their condition is long term or worsening.
This means two people with the same disability could receive very different levels of Universal Credit, purely based on when they were assessed. With disability-related living costs still high and benefit rules tightening, the timing of a claim is becoming critical.
At a glance
- Universal credit changes 2026 will alter disability-related support
- New claimants may lose access to the LCWRA element
- This could mean up to £2,400 less per year
- Existing LCWRA claimants are expected to be protected
- Disabled people who delay claiming may be most at risk
Contents
- What are the Universal Credit Changes 2026?
- Why the 2026 Deadline Matters for Disabled People
- Who could be affected by Universal Credit Changes
- What you can do before the Universal Credit Changes
- People also asked about Universal Credit Changes
- In Summary
What are the Universal Credit Changes 2026?
Universal Credit currently includes additional financial support for people assessed as having Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA). This reflects the reality that some people cannot work, or cannot safely prepare for work, because of disability or long-term illness.
As part of the universal credit changes 2026, the government plans to reduce or remove this additional element for new claimants assessed after the reform deadline. Ministers have linked the change to wider welfare reforms aimed at reducing long-term sickness-related spending.
The practical outcome is that entitlement may increasingly depend on when someone is assessed, rather than how limiting their condition is.
Source: UK Government — Universal Credit and health conditions
Purpl Tip: If your health already limits your ability to work, delaying a claim could permanently reduce your entitlement under the universal credit changes 2026.
Why the 2026 Deadline Matters for Disabled People
Timing is the defining issue.
Under the universal credit changes 2026, people who qualify for LCWRA before the deadline are expected to receive transitional protection. Those assessed after may:
- Lose the LCWRA payment
- Be expected to engage in more work-related activity
- Receive significantly less financial support over time
Disabled people are more likely to delay claiming due to anxiety, mental health conditions, neurodivergence, or fear of assessments. Disability organisations have warned that these reforms risk penalising people for delays caused by the system itself.
Source: Disability News Service — welfare reform reporting
Purpl Insight: Deadlines in complex benefit systems disproportionately affect disabled people, particularly those who need more time or support to navigate assessments.
Who could be affected by Universal Credit Changes
You may be affected by the universal credit changes 2026 if you:
- Have a long-term physical or mental health condition
- Are working but struggling due to your health
- Have reduced hours or stopped work recently
- Are relying on savings or family support instead of claiming
- Expect your condition to worsen in 2026
This applies even if you already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), as PIP does not automatically protect Universal Credit entitlement.
Source: Citizens Advice — Universal Credit guidance
Purpl Tip: Uncertainty about eligibility is often a sign you should seek advice now, not a reason to wait.
What you can do before the Universal Credit Changes
If the universal credit changes 2026 could affect you, early action matters.
You may want to:
- Check whether your condition could qualify you for LCWRA
- Speak to a welfare adviser or disability support organisation
- Get advice before applying if you receive legacy benefits
- Avoid assuming future reassessments will protect you
You do not need to apply immediately, but missing the deadline could permanently reduce your support.
Source: Scope — Universal Credit and disability support
Purpl Insight: Early welfare advice is one of the strongest protections against income loss, yet it remains one of the hardest forms of support for disabled people to access.
People also asked about Universal Credit Changes
Will the universal credit changes 2026 affect people already receiving LCWRA?
People who already receive the LCWRA element are expected to be protected through transitional arrangements, meaning their payments should not be reduced as a result of the changes.
Do the universal credit changes 2026 affect people who receive PIP?
Yes. PIP and Universal Credit are separate benefits. Being on PIP does not automatically protect someone from changes to Universal Credit disability-related support.
What happens if my health condition worsens after the universal credit changes 2026?
If your condition worsens after the changes take effect, you may not receive the same level of additional support as someone assessed before the deadline, even if your needs are similar.
Should I apply for Universal Credit before the changes if I am unsure?
Many people choose to seek welfare advice before applying. Getting advice early can help you understand whether applying sooner could protect your future entitlement.
Will everyone with a long-term health condition lose money under the universal credit changes 2026?
No. The changes mainly affect new claimants assessed after the reforms take effect. Some people will be protected, while others may see reduced support depending on timing and circumstances.
In Summary
The universal credit changes 2026 could leave disabled people and those with long-term health conditions significantly worse off, with losses of up to £2,400 a year for some.
If you think you may need to claim Universal Credit now or in the future, understanding the changes and checking your options early could help protect your financial security. As welfare reforms accelerate, timing is no longer a small detail — it could shape your income for years to come.
About the Author
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with both Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges that often come with managing a disability. Because of this, her mission is to collaborate with brands to secure discounts that help ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina also knows how it feels to lose a sense of independence due to a disability. For that reason, she’s deeply passionate about using holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Ultimately, her goal is to make Purpl a trusted, go-to resource for disabled people — one that provides not only discounts but also practical advice, emotional support, and genuine financial relief.
Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation that will offer grants and funding for disabled people who need additional financial support. Through this, she hopes to create lasting change, empowering others to live with dignity, confidence, and choice.
Follow @Purpldiscounts on social media for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.
Other articles, or links, you might find useful:
Changes to Universal Credit: What They Mean for Disabled People, and Where to Get Support
PIP and Disability Benefit Reforms 2025 – A Summary of Changes
PIP and Disability Benefits in 2025: What’s Changing
