The DWP is cutting the Universal Credit health element from £97 to £50 a week for new claimants from April. The controversial move has split benefit claimants and attracted criticism, with existing recipients unaffected
The DWP is slashing a crucial Universal Credit payment from April – but only for certain claimants. The contentious decision will create a divide amongst benefit recipients, sparking widespread condemnation.
Ministers have chosen to reduce the health top-up payment in an effort to slash the welfare budget, though not universally. The payment represents additional money provided alongside the UC standard allowance to individuals whose disabilities or medical conditions affect their capacity to work
However, it will be cut in half for most new applicants under the disputed measures. The health ‘bonus’ currently stands at £97 weekly but will be reduced to £50 for new applicants, excluding those with the most severe and life-threatening conditions.
This means most people seeking UC for the first time who need the health top-up will receive less. Current claimants will remain unaffected after the Government was compelled to retreat from more substantial cuts, reports Birmingham Live.
This has created a scenario where benefit recipients will be divided between existing and new claimants – even when they share identical conditions. Critics argue the new arrangement will be unjust – whilst the Government has faced backlash for targeting cuts at disabled individuals.
Ministers have emphasised that the UC standard allowance will increase above inflation simultaneously – delivering more money to all claimants overall. Labour has been criticised for targeting disability benefits in its recent announcement of measures aimed at easing the cost of living for UK households.
Plans to reduce Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are currently paused, pending an independent review, after a backlash from Labour backbenchers. .Citizens Advice stated: “The UC bill cuts the health element of Universal Credit (UC health) by nearly 50%, to £50 a week for new claimants – except those with the most serious, life-long conditions – from April 2026.
“For current claimants, and new claimants who meet the new severe conditions criteria, UC health will be maintained at the original rate and uprated depending on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).”
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