The Government continue to make changes to Welfare benefits and the way claims are assessed. Some changes from April 2026 are below:
-The two child cap has been removed but the Benefit Cap remains in place and the cap amount has not changed:
- £14,753 for a single customer
- £22,020 for a lone parent or couple
There are exemptions to the Benefit Cap, which you can find in more detail using this link Benefit Cap:When you’re not affected – Gov.uk
For more information about benefits and how they are changing East Sussex County Council have a Welfare benefit helpline.
-Universal credit has now replaced all of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income Related Job Seekers allowance
- Income Related Employment Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit (for working age and those not living in supported accommodation)
- Working Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit
Universal Credit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and it is a single monthly payment. You will get an online journal which shows your awards each month. Please note that you may need the information regarding breakdown of your award for any application you make to the Council for Council Tax Reduction.
-For people who have been assessed with Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity (LCWRA), the amount has changed from the 6th April 2026.
Those with existing LCWRA awards or those who have reported a health condition prior to the 6th April 2026 and who are then assessed to meet the LCWRA criteria will receive the higher amount of £429.80.
Those who report a health condition on or after the 6th April 2026 and are assessed to meet the LCWRA criteria will receive the lower rate of £217.26 unless they have a severe, lifelong health condition or disability or are nearing end of life.
If you are unsure if any of the benefits you receive from the Department of Works and Pensions are changing, please contact them directly.