The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that changes to the Universal Credit health element will proceed as planned on April 6, 2026. This announcement comes despite objections from a cross-party group of Members of Parliament (MPs) who expressed concerns about the potential impact on disabled individuals.
In its third report on the “Get Britain Working: Pathways to Work” green paper, the Work and Pensions Committee made six recommendations. These included calls for further increases to the Universal Credit standard allowance during the current parliamentary term and a delay in implementing the reduction of the health element until a comprehensive assessment of its effects on disabled people is concluded.
In response, the DWP stated, “The new, lower UC health element will take effect on April 6, 2026. We will keep standard allowance rates under review.” The department highlighted that the Universal Credit Act, which received Royal Assent on September 3, 2025, legislated for the first sustained increase above inflation for the standard allowance, benefiting millions.
Under the new legislation, nearly four million households are projected to receive an annual income boost averaging £725. The reforms aim to adjust both the core payment and the health top-up within Universal Credit. By 2029/30, the standard allowance for a single person aged 25 or over is expected to reach £725 in cash terms.
Debbie Abrahams, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, expressed discontent regarding the government’s response to their recommendations. She noted, “The Committee report raised outstanding concerns that from April 2026, people with a new disability or health condition will receive half the financial support on UC Health, £54 per week, compared to £105 per week for those with the same impairment or condition as of March 2026.”
Abrahams emphasized that this disparity could lead to increased poverty among individuals with disabilities and health conditions, further distancing them from the labour market. She added that addressing these issues could yield fiscal benefits for the government, citing an analysis that estimated potential savings of up to £12.5 billion in DWP spending through improved support for employment and health.
The DWP’s outlined measures in the Universal Credit Act are intended to address what it describes as a “fundamental imbalance” in the system. Key changes include:
– Increasing the Universal Credit standard allowance above inflation for the next four years, projected to be worth £725 by 2029/30 for a single adult aged 25 or over.
– Reducing the health top-up for new claims to £50 per week starting in April 2026.
– Ensuring existing recipients of the Universal Credit health element and new claimants meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria will continue to receive the higher health payment after April 2026.
– Exempting individuals with the most severe, lifelong conditions from reassessment.
The DWP’s decision to proceed with these changes has sparked significant discussion surrounding the implications for vulnerable populations. The ongoing debate highlights the complex balance between reforming welfare systems to encourage employment while ensuring adequate support for those unable to work due to health issues.
For further details on the Work and Pensions Committee’s recommendations and the UK government’s responses, visit the official GOV.UK website.
