Down at the DWP, they love to give things more than one name.
Over the past few months, politicians and DWP have started talking about the Health Element of Universal Credit.
This is what they are on about.
LCW and LCWRA
LCW means they you are ill. LCWRA means that you are very ill. Details here
This is decided by a Work Capability Assessment. Details here
Extra Money for LCW and LCWRA
When Universal Credit first started, it included extra money after your Work Capability Assessment: either an LCW Element or an LCWRA Element.
On the 3rd April 2017 the LCW Element was scrapped for anyone assessed after that date.
But if you already had LCW, you could keep the LCW element. Law here
Upcoming Changes
From April 2026, the LCWRA Element is going to be reduced for people assessed from that date unless they have severe, lifelong, constant, conditions, or are terminally ill. Details here Law here
The Health Element
So from next April, the Health Element might mean:
- The LCW Element – currently £158.76 – if you were assessed as having LCW before 2 April 2017.
- The LCWRA Element – currently £423.27 – if you were assessed as having LCWRA before April 2026.
- The Protected LCWRA Element – currently £423.27 – if you are assessed as having LCWRA after April 2026 and you are a pre-2026 claimant, or a severe conditions criteria claimant, or you are terminally ill.
- The LCWRA Element – proposed £217.26 – If you are assessed as having LCWRA after April 2026, and you don’t get the protected rate.
Pedant’s Notes:
By ill, I mean ill or disabled.
LCWRA actually means both LCW and LCWRA.