Changes to health and disability benefits

Health and disability benefits are going through a lot of change. This page sets out what has happened and what is planned. Plans can change, so check the date this page was last reviewed.

Already happened

6 April 2026, two rates for the health element. New claimants usually get a lower health element of £217.26 a month. People already getting it, people who are terminally ill, and people who meet the severe conditions criteria get £429.80 a month. Read the Universal Credit health element explained.

April 2026, a higher standard allowance. The basic amount of Universal Credit is rising by more than inflation each year up to 2029 to 2030.

By 31 March 2026, income-related ESA moved to Universal Credit. Almost everyone on income-related ESA and other older benefits has been moved to Universal Credit. If you were moved and your Universal Credit was lower, you may get transitional protection to make up the difference. A small number of vulnerable people were given more time.

Planned

These still need to happen, and some need new laws.

• Ending the Work Capability Assessment. The government plans to scrap it, with a target of 2028 or later. The extra health money in Universal Credit would then depend on getting the daily living part of PIP.
• The Timms review of PIP. A review, led by the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, with disabled people and their organisations. Its findings are expected to shape future changes to PIP and the link to Universal Credit.
• Young people. The government has proposed that people under 22 would not get the health element, with more support to find work or training instead. This is not yet law.
• New unemployment insurance. New Style ESA and New Style Jobseeker's Allowance may be brought together into one time-limited payment.

What you can do now

• If you think you qualify for the health element or ESA, claim now. Waiting does not help.
• If you already get the health element, keep your claim up to date. You keep the protected higher rate while you still qualify.
• Check whether you could get PIP. If future plans go ahead, PIP could matter even more.
• Get free advice from Citizens Advice, Turn2us or a local welfare rights service if anything changes for you.