Universal Credit
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether existing claimants of the Universal Credit health element will be considered as new claimants upon (a) periodic reassessment and (b) subsequent (i) appeal and (ii) reapplication.
Answered by Sir Stephen Timms
Existing claimants of the Universal Credit (UC) health element will not be considered new claimants if they are reassessed and are still found to have Limited Capability for Work and Work-related Activity (LCWRA). Existing claimants who are not found to have LCWRA at reassessment but successfully appeal this decision would still be eligible for the higher rate.
If a claimant is found not to have LCWRA and then reapplies at a later date, they will be considered a new claimant. From 6 April 2026, new UC Health claimants will receive the lower rate unless they meet the Severe Conditions Criteria or qualify under Special Rules for End of Life.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →