The government has laid out controversial measures which will see a cut in Universal Credit from April – but not for everyone. Claimants will need to check if they are affected. The change will split some benefit claimants apart from others – sparking criticism from some Brits. Ministers have opted to cut the health top-up payment in a bid to cut the welfare bill.
The payment is extra money paid on top of the UC standard allowance to people whose disabilities or medical conditions impact their ability to work. But it will be halved for most new claimants under controversial new measures. The health “bonus” is currently worth £97 a week but will be slashed to £50 for new claimants, except those with the most serious and life-limiting conditions.
The change means most people applying for UC for the first time, who require the health top-up, will get less.
Existing claimants will be unaffected after the Government was forced to back down on deeper cuts.
It’s left a situation where benefit claimants will be split between old and new – even if they have the same condition.
Critics say the new system will be unfair – while the Government has faced criticism for focusing cuts on disabled people, reports Birmingham Live.
Ministers have stressed the UC standard allowance will be rising above inflation at the same time – putting more money in the pockets of all claimants generally.
While announcing a number of measures to boost the cost of living for UK households, Labour has come under fire for targeting disability benefits.
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Wider plans to cut Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are currently on hold with an independent review ongoing, following a backlash by Labour backbenchers.
Citizens Advice explained: “The UC bill cuts the health element of Universal Credit (UC health) by nearly 50%, to £50 a week for new claimants – except those with the most serious, life-long conditions – from April 2026.
“For current claimants, and new claimants who meet the new severe conditions criteria, UC health will be maintained at the original rate and uprated depending on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).”