FIGHTBACK
The government is changing some benefits. Here’s what you need to know:
PIP
Planned changes to PIP have been put on hold after public concern and campaigning.
Nothing is changing for now.
We are waiting for the Timms Report before making any further decisions.
Universal Credit (UC) – Extra Support for Illness/Disability
At the moment, people who cannot work because of illness or disability may get an extra £423.27 per month (called the LCWRA element).
From April 2026, this will change for new claims only:
The payment will be reduced to £217.26 per month (about half).
You will still get the full £423.27 if:
You are already entitled to LCWRA before 6 April 2026 (this also covers appeals and pending decisions).
You meet the Severe Conditions Criteria (lifelong, constant, diagnosed by an NHS specialist, never expected to work) (the government has not yet confirmed which conditions will qualify).
You are terminally ill (death would not be a surprise within 12 months).
Both the £423.27 and the reduced £217.26 rates will be frozen (no increases) until March 2030.
ESA and Older Claims
People who have been getting LCW/LCWRA since before 2017 will have their rates frozen.
If you are already receiving the full LCWRA element before April 2026, you will keep it with annual increases.
What This Means
Current claimants: Protected – your payments won’t be cut.
New claimants (from April 2026): Lower extra support unless your condition is severe or terminal.
Act Before April 2026
If you:
Have not yet claimed the disability component of UC or ESA (new style), or
Are in the wrong group (e.g., in WRAG but should be in the Support Group),
It’s very important to act now:
Challenge your award if it is wrong.
Submit a change of circumstances if your health needs have increased.
Make a new claim if you have not yet applied.
Doing this before April 2026 means you will be classed as a current claimant and should keep the higher LCWRA/Support Group rate.
Need Help? We’re Here for You
As a local not-for-profit organisation, we can help you:
Free face-to-face drop-in session: 3rd September, 9:30am – 2:30pm at our offices in Bury.
Free phone advice line: 0161 672 7444
Free email advice: info@fightback4justice.co.uk
We also offer a form-filling service through our sister site – contact us for details.