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  "path": "/money/universal-credit-health-payments-to-be-halved-dwp",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-01T16:33:48.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "State pension rises to £241.30 as DWP benefit increases take effect",
    "DWP benefit payments get 6.2% boost & MPs pocket £3,300 pay hike as taxpayers 'shoulder burden'",
    "DWP two-child benefit cap axe now in law as 450,000 set to be lifted out of poverty",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nThousands of people claiming Universal Credit due to health conditions will see their monthly payments reduced from April 6 under new Labour reforms.\n\nThe sickness payment component will be cut by around 50 per cent for new claimants, falling from £423.27 per month to £217.26.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThis represents a weekly drop from £105.82 to £54.32 and a loss of £2,472 per year for those affected.\n\nThese changes form part of wider reforms introduced through the Universal Credit Act, which received Royal Assent on September 3, 2025.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nLegislation included an above-inflation increase to the standard allowance while reducing the health element for new applicants.\n\nThe Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element (LCWRA) provides additional support to those whose health conditions or disabilities prevent them from carrying out basic work-related tasks.\n\nQualifying conditions include severe mental health issues affecting social interaction, physical disabilities limiting movement or sitting, terminal illness, and those undergoing cancer treatment.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nExisting claimants and those who submit applications by April 5 will continue receiving the higher rate.\n\nNew claimants with severe or terminal conditions will also be protected from the reduction under special provisions.\n\nThe LCWRA payment currently exceeds the standard Universal Credit allowance of £316.98 per month for single people aged over 25, a gap the Government has identified as a concern.\n\nMinisters argue the current structure creates \"perverse incentives\" within the system.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * State pension rises to £241.30 as DWP benefit increases take effect\n  * DWP benefit payments get 6.2% boost & MPs pocket £3,300 pay hike as taxpayers 'shoulder burden'\n  * DWP two-child benefit cap axe now in law as 450,000 set to be lifted out of poverty\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThey say the higher health element can make it \"attractive to be sick\", while claiming Universal Credit, discouraging some people from seeking work.\n\nOfficial figures show around one per cent of LCWRA recipients move into employment each month.\n\nThe Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the reforms \"better encourage those who can work to enter or return to employment\".\n\nWelfare spending is forecast to continue rising, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility.\n\nSpending is expected to increase by £18billion to £333billion this year, potentially reaching £407billion by 2030-31.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Work and Pensions Committee has warned of potential consequences from the policy.\n\nChair Debbie Abrahams said: \"The Government's own analysis published in March indicates that from next April approximately 50,000 people who develop a health condition or become disabled and those who live with them - will enter poverty by 2030 as a result of the reduction in support of the UC health premium.\"\n\nMs Abrahams said the system could create unequal outcomes, with people receiving different levels of support depending on when they applied.\n\nThe committee recommended delaying the changes until additional support measures, including increased NHS capacity and employment programmes, are in place.\n\nMs Abrahams said: \"The reduced payments risk exacerbating their condition and pushing them further away from the labour market.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Universal Credit payments to be halved by DWP for some claimants in just DAYS"
}