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Free UC health element checker · 2026/27UC health element checker: which LCWRA rate?
From April 2026 there are two rates for the Universal Credit health element. See which one applies to you, what it’s worth, and what the severe conditions criteria mean.
- The April 2026 rules: £429.80 or £217.26 a month
- Severe conditions criteria explained
- Free, and nothing you choose is saved or sent
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- Which LCWRA rate applies to you
- What it’s worth a month and a year
- Whether the severe conditions criteria apply
The UC health element from April 2026.
The Universal Credit Act 2025 created two rates for the LCWRA element.
| Who | LCWRA element | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed before 6 April 2026 | £429.80 a month | Protected, if you stay on UC |
| Terminally ill | £429.80 a month | Whenever you claimed |
| Meets the severe conditions criteria | £429.80 a month | No reassessments |
| Most new claims from 6 April 2026 | £217.26 a month | Frozen until 2029/30 |
| LCW only | £0 | No work search; a higher work allowance |
From the Universal Credit Act 2025 and 2026/27 rates. See health conditions and Universal Credit on GOV.UK.
LCWRA is worth thousands a year.
The WCA decides it. The form and the evidence decide the WCA.
WCA50 Form Answers
Every activity on your WCA50 answered for you, with the LCWRA descriptors called out and a substantial-risk section in your own words.
- LCWRA descriptors argued properly
- The severe conditions criteria checked
- Ready within 24 hours
- £49 flat
WCA Reconsideration Letter
We argue the descriptors and substantial risk, activity by activity, within your one-month deadline.
What the severe conditions criteria mean.
LCWRA on the descriptors
At least one LCWRA descriptor must apply. Substantial risk on its own doesn’t count.
All the time
The descriptor must apply constantly, not just most of the time.
For life
Your condition must be lifelong, with no realistic prospect of improving.
NHS diagnosis
It must be diagnosed by an appropriately qualified professional in NHS services.
Tools for your claim.
UC health element questions answered.
£429.80 a month if you claimed before 6 April 2026, are terminally ill, or meet the severe conditions criteria. For most new claims from 6 April 2026 it’s £217.26 a month.
At least one LCWRA descriptor applies all the time, for the rest of your life, from a lifelong condition diagnosed by an appropriately qualified NHS professional. If you meet them, you get the full rate and aren’t reassessed.
No. If you claimed before 6 April 2026, you keep the full rate as long as you stay on Universal Credit.
No extra money, but you don’t have to look for work, and if you have housing costs or children you can earn more before your UC goes down.
Usually after a 3-month assessment period from when you reported your condition and sent a fit note. It’s backdated once you’re found to have LCWRA.
Yes. Ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month, then appeal to a tribunal if needed.
No. The UC health element is about your ability to work. PIP is a separate, non-means-tested benefit for daily living and mobility costs.
No. It explains the 2026/27 rules for your answers. The DWP decides your Universal Credit.
Found fit for work? Challenge it for £49.
We argue the LCWRA descriptors and substantial risk, activity by activity. Reviewed by a former DWP decision maker, ready in 48 hours.
This checker explains the 2026/27 Universal Credit health element rules for your answers. It isn’t a decision or legal advice: the DWP decides your Universal Credit.