Universal Credit Health Element - What is Universal Credit Health Element?

If you are ill or disabled and unable to work, you might get an extra payment as part of your Universal Credit.

The extra payment is called the limited capability for work and work-related activity element (LCWRA). It is paid at two different rates:

• higher rate for claims awarded before 6 April 2026 or for people with severe conditions or who are terminally ill .
• lower rate for claims awarded on or after 6 April 2026.

You will get one of these if you satisfy the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). Read our Universal Credit - Work Capability Assessment information.

Old system health element

Under the old system, some people who were ill or disabled and couldn't work got an extra payment called the Limited Capability for Work element (LCW). This payment is no longer available to new claims made on or after 3 April 2017. You can only still get it if you have had LCW or LCWRA included in your award before 3 April 2017.