Claiming Universal Credit (UC) payment with a terminal illness
This page offers some advice on Universal Credit (UC) payment you may be able to get if you're struggling with money while living with a terminal illness. From 6th April 2026, Universal Credit is changing for most new claimants who have a long-term health condition or disability. We explain what is changing and what it means to you if you are living with a terminal illness.
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit (UC) is a UK government payment designed to help people with their living costs if they are on a low income, out of work or unable to work. It replaces several older benefits with one single monthly payment in England, twice a month in Northern Ireland and you can get paid once or twice a month if you live in Scotland.
Who can get it
You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you:
- have a low income
- are out of work
- cannot work due to health condition, or if your ability to work is limited
- cannot work due to caring responsibilities.
What Universal Credit does
- provides financial support for day‑to‑day living costs
- paid monthly (or twice monthly in Scotland and Northern Ireland)
- helps simplify the welfare system by combining multiple benefits into one.
How it works
- you receive a standard allowance, with possible additional amounts depending on circumstances (children, disabilities, housing, caring responsibilities, etc.)
- your earnings can affect how much you receive
- payments go directly into your bank account each month.
Everyone who applied and is eligible to receive Universal Credit is then granted a basic payment called the standard allowance. If you have a health condition or disability, you may receive an additional amount, known as the limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) element.
Special rules for end-of-life
If your healthcare team believes you may have 12 months or less left to live, you can apply under the special rules. This means:
- your claim is processed more quickly
- you receive the LCWRA element automatically
- you do not have to go through the usual Work Capability Assessment (WCA) process.
What are the changes taking place soon?
The standard allowance will increase
The standard allowance will increase for everyone in April 2026 and will continue to rise above inflation each year until 2029/30.
The amount you receive depends on your age and if you live with a partner. You can find full details of the 2026/27 increase on the Citizens Advice website.
The LCWRA element will reduce by half for new UC claimants
From April 2026, the LCWRA element (currently worth £423.27 a month) for new claimants will be £217.26 a month. It will then be ‘frozen’ for four years. This means it will not increase with inflation.
Who will still receive the higher LCWRA rate?
The reduction only affects new claimants. The following groups of people will continue to receive the higher rate of LCWRA:
- People already receiving LCWRA: If you were awarded LCWRA before April 2026, your payments are protected. This also includes people who made a claim before April 2026 and are waiting for their Work Capability Assessment.
- People claiming under the special rules: If you claim under the special rules you are entitled to the higher rate of the LCWRA element. This includes claims made after April 2026.
- People who meet the Severe Conditions Criteria (SCC).
To meet the SCC, you must:
- have a life-long condition that has been diagnosed by an appropriately qualified NHS healthcare professional
- be assessed as “constantly” meeting at least one of the LCWRA descriptors used in the work capability assessment
Managing money with a terminal illness
For more information and advice on the support you may be able to get if you're struggling with money while living with a terminal illness visit our Managing money with a terminal illness page.