Disability, health conditions and Motability: what extra help you can get
If you have a disability or long-term health condition, Universal Credit can include extra money on top of the standard allowance, and separate disability benefits such as PIP can unlock more help, including leasing a car through the Motability Scheme. Rules changed on 6 April 2026, so it is worth checking which rates apply to you.
The health element (LCWRA)
If a Work Capability Assessment finds you have limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA), you get an extra monthly amount:
| LCWRA (2026/27) | Per month | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Higher amount | £429.80 | Severe, lifelong condition; nearing the end of life; or you reported your condition (or were already on LCWRA or the ESA support group) before 6 April 2026 |
| Lower amount | £217.26 | You declared your condition on or after 6 April 2026 and the higher-amount rules do not apply |
A condition counts as severe and lifelong if it means you cannot work, will last your whole life, will not get better and is officially diagnosed. If the assessment finds this, you will be told by letter and will not usually need another assessment. If you are nearing the end of life you do not need an assessment at all.
Couples where both have LCWRA get one extra amount (the higher one if either qualifies). If you were found to have limited capability for work before 3 April 2017, you may get an extra £158.76 a month.
Disabled children
For each disabled child, Universal Credit can add £164.79 a month, or £514.71 if the child gets the highest care rate of DLA, the higher daily living rate of PIP, or is blind or severely sight impaired. See DLA for children.
How to get the extra amount
- Report your health condition in your Universal Credit account and send a fit note if asked.
- You will usually be sent for a Work Capability Assessment.
- Extra amounts are not added automatically — report any new or worsening condition.
Your claimant commitment should also reflect your health. Tell your work coach about anything that makes your agreed activities hard.
PIP and DLA: separate disability benefits
PIP (for adults under State Pension age) and DLA (for children) are paid separately from Universal Credit and are not means-tested. See the PIP helpline and PIP enquiry line.
The Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme helps you lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter using your mobility benefit. You need to be getting one of these:
- the enhanced rate of the mobility part of PIP
- the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
- the enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment, or the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
- War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You may not have to pay VAT on leasing a Motability vehicle or on adapting a vehicle for your condition (VAT relief).
Other help if you get a mobility benefit
- a Blue Badge for parking
- vehicle tax discount or exemption
- a Disabled Persons Railcard (with either part of PIP)
- possible Council Tax and local bus travel discounts — ask your council
Carers
If someone cares for you for 35 hours a week or more, they may get the carer element of Universal Credit or Carer's Allowance.
Questions? Universal Credit helpline 0800 328 5644; PIP enquiry line 0800 121 4433. Both free.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the LCWRA element in 2026/27?
£429.80 a month at the higher amount, or £217.26 at the lower amount for many people who declare a condition on or after 6 April 2026.
Who can use the Motability Scheme?
People getting the enhanced mobility rate of PIP, the higher mobility rate of DLA, the Scottish equivalents, War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement or Armed Forces Independence Payment.
Is the health element added automatically?
No. You must report your condition and usually have a Work Capability Assessment.
What did the April 2026 change do?
It created a lower LCWRA rate for many new claims from 6 April 2026. People already getting LCWRA are not affected.
Last checked against official sources: 24 October 2026. Numbers, amounts and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.