When Will LCWRA Be Scrapped? – Key Dates and What to Expect

Introduction

The Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit has provided extra financial support to people whose health conditions or disabilities prevent them from working. For many claimants, it is a vital source of income. However, the UK government has announced major changes to disability benefits, leading many to ask: When will LCWRA be scrapped, and what will replace it?

In this post, we explain:

• What LCWRA is and why it matters

• The government’s confirmed dates and policy changes

• How the reforms will affect claimants financially

• What support will still be available after LCWRA ends

• Expert and charity responses to the reforms

What is LCWRA in Universal Credit?

How does LCWRA differ from LCW (Limited Capability for Work)?

LCWRA is different from LCW. Under LCW, a claimant is recognised as having limited capacity for work, but they may still be asked to prepare for future employment. LCWRA, by contrast, exempts claimants from work-related activities entirely and provides additional financial support.

Who qualifies for LCWRA support under Universal Credit?

A claimant qualifies for LCWRA if:

• They have a health condition or disability that severely limits their ability to work.

• They undergo a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) which confirms LCWRA status.

• They are not already receiving similar benefits that prevent duplication.

How much is the LCWRA element worth each month?

As of 2025, the LCWRA element pays £390.06/month on top of a claimant’s Universal Credit standard allowance. For many disabled people, this makes the difference between affording basic needs and falling into hardship.

Why is the Government Planning to Scrap LCWRA?

What did the DWP announce about welfare reforms?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced in 2023 that LCWRA will be scrapped as part of welfare reform.

• The Health and Disability White Paper lays out the strategy.

• The change aims to simplify how disability support is delivered.

• Ministers argue this will make the system less confusing.

How does the Health and Disability White Paper affect LCWRA?

The goal of system simplification was outlined in the Health and Disability White Paper. Instead of separate assessments, the government wants to rely more heavily on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to determine extra financial support.

What reasons did ministers give for replacing LCWRA?

Government ministers argue that:

• The current system is “complex and duplicative”.

• Claimants face “stressful and unnecessary assessments”.

• A simpler system would reduce bureaucracy and better support people into work where possible.

When Will LCWRA Be Scrapped — Key Dates and Changes?

What are the official government timelines for LCWRA reform?

According to the administration, LCWRA won’t be eliminated right away. Instead, the changes will be rolled out gradually:

• From 2026: LCWRA will no longer be evaluated for new Universal Credit applicants.

• By 2029: Existing claimants currently receiving LCWRA will be moved to the new system.

How will existing claimants be affected during the transition?

• Until they are moved to the new system, current receivers will keep receiving LCWRA.

• At the time of transfer, transitional protection will guarantee that there is no sudden decline in income.

Will new Universal Credit claimants still get LCWRA?

No, new claimants won’t be allowed to apply for LCWRA after 2026. Instead, eligibility for extra support will depend on whether they qualify for PIP.

Is LCWRA being scrapped in 2028?

No, LCWRA is not being scrapped in 2028. The official DWP timeline confirms:

• 2026 – LCWRA will close to new claimants.

• 2029 – The reform will be fully rolled out, and all existing LCWRA claimants will be moved to the new system.

So, while changes will be underway before 2029, LCWRA itself will not end in 2028.

LCWRA Changes – Key Dates

What Will Replace LCWRA in the Universal Credit System?

How will the new “health element” of Universal Credit work?

The new health element will be awarded automatically to claimants who receive PIP.

• It will replace LCWRA payments.

• The amount is expected to be similar to LCWRA.

• Entitlement is tied directly to PIP awards.

What role does Personal Independence Payment (PIP) play in the changes?

• PIP will become the gateway benefit for extra Universal Credit support.

• The new health factor will be given automatically to claimants who are eligible for PIP.

Will disabled claimants lose money under the new rules?

Because of transitional protection, the government asserts that “no one will lose out at the point of change”. However, concerns remain that claimants who cannot qualify for PIP may miss out on future support.

How Will Scrapping LCWRA Impact Claimants Financially?

What are the potential winners and losers of the reform?

• Winners: Claimants already on PIP may find the process simpler, with fewer assessments.

• Losers: Claimants who qualify for LCWRA but not PIP risk losing future entitlement.

How much income difference will claimants see on average?

The financial impact varies:

• Initially, current LCWRA beneficiaries will continue to receive assistance under transitional protection.

• Future claimants without PIP could lose £390 per month compared to current arrangements

Table: Comparison of Support

What Support Will Still Be Available for Disabled People After LCWRA Ends?

Can claimants still apply for PIP alongside Universal Credit?

Yes, PIP will continue and remain separate from Universal Credit.

• PIP is not being scrapped.

• Claimants can apply for both UC and PIP.

• PIP awards will unlock the new UC health element.

What additional support do charities like Citizens Advice suggest?

Charities encourage claimants to:

• Apply for PIP early if eligible.

• Seek advice on transitional protection.

• Explore local council support schemes for disability-related costs.

Am I Going to Lose My LCWRA in 2025?

You will not lose your LCWRA in 2025. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the changes will not begin until 2026, and the first stage only affects new claimants. The LCWRA element will be given to current claimants as usual.

• LCWRA payments will remain in place throughout 2025.

• All qualified claimants continue to receive the £390.06 monthly increase.

• Transitional protection will safeguard incomes when migration starts after 2026.

• Only major changes in your personal circumstances could affect your award before then.

Will LCWRA Stop if PIP Stops?

Yes — under the new system, the extra “health element” of Universal Credit will be directly linked to PIP entitlement. This means:

• If your PIP stops, the new health element (which replaces LCWRA) will also stop.

• Until 2029, if you are still on LCWRA, it will not be directly linked to PIP.

• After migration, PIP becomes the deciding factor for whether you receive extra support in Universal Credit.

Conclusion – When Will LCWRA Be Scrapped and What Does it Mean for Claimants?

LCWRA will begin to be scrapped from 2026, starting with new Universal Credit claimants. By 2029, all existing claimants will move to the new system, where PIP becomes the gateway for extra support.

For claimants, this means:

• If you currently receive LCWRA, you will keep it until you are moved.

• Transitional protection should safeguard your income during the transition.

• Applying for PIP early may help secure future entitlement to extra support.

FAQs

Will I lose money when LCWRA is scrapped?

Not immediately. Transitional protection will cover current claimants, but future entitlement depends on PIP.

Can I still apply for LCWRA before it ends?

Yes, until 2026 new claimants can still apply under the current system.

Is PIP being scrapped alongside LCWRA?

No. PIP remains in place and will play a bigger role in future support.

What happens if my health condition changes after the reforms?

You may need a new PIP assessment to qualify for the new health element.

Will I be reassessed for LCWRA in 2025?

Yes, if your review date falls in 2025, the DWP may reassess you under current rules.

Will I be reassessed for LCWRA in 2026?

Yes, but reassessments in 2026 will still follow the old LCWRA system until the migration begins.