Universal Credit Changes: What They Mean for People in Cumbria
People across Cumbria, including Barrow, Dalton, Ulverston and Kendal, are being reminded to check how changes to Universal Credit could affect their monthly payments.
The Department for Work and Pensions changes came into effect from April 6th, 2026. They include higher standard Universal Credit payments, changes for larger families, and new rules for people who claim the health element because of illness or disability.
For many households, the changes may mean a higher basic payment. But some new claimants with health conditions could receive less than people who were already receiving support before the changes came in.
Universal Credit standard allowance has increased
Universal Credit includes a basic monthly amount known as the standard allowance.
From April 6, 2026, this increased to:
- Single and under 25: £338.58 a month
- Single and 25 or over: £424.90 a month
- Couple, both under 25: £528.34 a month
- Couple, one or both 25 or over: £666.97 a month
This is the basic part of Universal Credit. Some people may receive extra amounts for children, housing costs, caring duties or health conditions.
What this means for Barrow, Dalton, Ulverston and Kendal
The changes could affect a wide range of households across South Cumbria.
In Barrow, where many households face pressure from rent, bills and food costs, even a small increase in the standard allowance may make a difference. People in Dalton and Ulverston may also want to check whether their award has changed. Especially if they have children or receive support due to illness.
In Kendal, where housing costs can be high, claimants should also check the housing element of their Universal Credit. The standard allowance rise does not always mean the full award will rise by the same amount, as payments depend on income, rent, savings, household make-up and other benefits.
Two-child limit removed
One of the biggest changes affects larger families.
The previous two-child limit has been removed from April 6th, 2026. This means families on Universal Credit can now receive the child element for each child they are responsible for, including a third or later child.
This could be important for larger families in Barrow, Dalton, Ulverston and Kendal. Households who were previously unable to claim extra support for a third or later child may now be entitled to more help.
Families should check their Universal Credit journal or seek advice if they are unsure whether the change has been applied.
Health element changes for new claimants
There are also major changes for people who have a long-term illness, disability or health condition.
Some people on Universal Credit receive an extra payment if the DWP decides they have limited capability for work-related activity, often shortened to LCWRA.
From April 6, 2026, there are now two rates for this payment. Some people will receive the higher amount of £429.80 a month, while new claimants may receive the lower amount of £217.26 a month, unless they meet certain criteria.
People who were already receiving the LCWRA element before the changes may be protected and continue to receive the higher rate. New claimants, or people who report a health condition after April 6, may receive the lower rate unless they meet severe conditions criteria.
Trying work should not automatically trigger reassessment
The government has also set out rules around work and benefit reassessments.
Draft regulations say that doing paid work or voluntary work should not, by itself, be treated as a change that triggers a Work Capability Assessment reassessment for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.
This is intended to give more reassurance to people who want to try work but are worried it could affect their claim. However, other changes, such as a clear improvement in health, may still lead to a reassessment.
What claimants should do now
Anyone claiming Universal Credit in Cumbria should check their latest statement carefully.
People should look at:
- The standard allowance
- Any child element payments
- Housing support
- Health-related payments
- Deductions or advances
- Changes linked to earnings
If something looks wrong, claimants can raise a message through their Universal Credit journal. They can also seek support from a local advice service or Citizens Advice.
The changes will not affect every household in the same way. Some people may see more support, especially larger families. Others, particularly some new health-related claimants, may need advice to understand what they are entitled to.
For people in Cumbria the key message is simple: check your Universal Credit statement, make sure your details are up to date, and ask for help if you are unsure.
