Benefit Changes Timetable - Benefit Changes Timetable 2026

Please note that information about some of these changes may be limited at present and also subject to further change. Although some will happen quickly, others may be introduced gradually.

In March 2025, the government announced major changes to how many benefits will work in the future.  From April 2026, the rules around how much people get and who can claim Universal Credit (UC) are set to change. Then, from November 2026, new rules will come in for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which will change who is eligible for it. These changes are subject to parliamentary approval.

March 2026

All legacy benefits will end on 31 March 2026. No more payments will be made.

April 2026

Social security benefits across the UK will increase.

Introduction of changes to Universal Credit, as outlined in the government’s Spring 2025 statement. These changes are subject to parliamentary approval.

The Universal Credit LCWRA element will change:

• From April 2026, those already getting LCWRA will have their amount frozen at £97 per week until 2029/30.
• New claimants of Universal Credit who get LCWRA will not get the full £94 per week and instead get £50.
• People under the age of 22 will be unable to get the LCWRA element.

The Universal Credit standard allowance will increase:

• From April 2026, the Universal Credit standard allowance will increase from £91 per week to £98 per week.

October 2026

The Warm Home Discount Scheme opens for applications in England, Scotland and Wales.

November 2026

Introduction of changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), as outlined in the government’s Spring 2025 statement. Subject to parliamentary approval.

PIP assessment criteria will be tightened for the daily living component.

• From November 2026, eligibility for the PIP daily living component will change. Applicants will have to score at least four points in at least one daily living activity descriptor. This will apply to both new PIP applicants, and existing claimants when they have their PIP award reviewed after November 2026.

Across the UK, eligible pensioners will begin to receive their Winter Fuel Payment.

In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Cold Weather Payment 2026 scheme opens. In Scotland, the Child Winter Heating Payment will be paid to eligible households.

December 2026

In Scotland, the Winter Heating Payment will be paid to eligible households.