Overview
- The department confirmed new Universal Credit health awards will be cut to about £50 per week from 6 April 2026 for first‑time claimants.
- Existing health‑element recipients and people meeting Severe Conditions Criteria or Special Rules for End of Life will keep the higher rate after April 2026.
- The government plans to complete migration of income‑related ESA claimants to Universal Credit by March 2026, with ESA rates mirrored for any who remain from April.
- The Universal Credit Act raises the standard allowance above inflation over four years, with the IFS describing it as the largest permanent real‑terms increase in the main out‑of‑work rate since 1980.
- The Work and Pensions Committee urged a delay pending an independent impact assessment, but ministers declined and highlighted a PIP review, a Right to Try Guarantee, and £3.8 billion for employment support.