Quick answer: If arthritis limits how much you can work, you may be able to claim Universal Credit, New Style ESA, or both. Universal Credit is means-tested; New Style ESA depends on your National Insurance record. Both use the Work Capability Assessment. If you are found to have limited capability for work and work-related activity, Universal Credit includes an extra monthly amount, which has had two rates for new claims since 6 April 2026.
Checked on 10 October 2026 against GOV.UK: Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit, GOV.UK: Universal Credit – what you'll get and GOV.UK: Employment and Support Allowance. Amounts quoted are the ones shown on GOV.UK on that date. Rates usually change each April, so always check the current figures.
When arthritis means you cannot work, or can only work a little, money worries can pile on top of pain and fatigue. The benefits system for people who cannot work because of their health has changed a lot over the years, and the names (ESA, UC, WCA, LCW, LCWRA) can be confusing. This guide explains, in plain English, how it works now in England, Scotland and Wales, with notes on Northern Ireland.
This is separate from Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which helps with the extra costs of disability and can be claimed whether or not you work.
The two benefits: Universal Credit and New Style ESA
| Universal Credit | New Style ESA | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A monthly payment to help with living costs | A benefit for people whose disability or health condition affects how much they can work |
| Based on | Household income, savings and circumstances (means-tested) | Your National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years (credits also count) |
| Savings | Reduced if you have over £6,000; usually no entitlement over £16,000 | Savings and a partner's income do not count |
| How often paid | Monthly | Every 2 weeks |
| Assessment | Work Capability Assessment | Work Capability Assessment |
You might be able to get both at the same time. If you do, your Universal Credit is reduced by the amount of New Style ESA you get. GOV.UK points out that New Style ESA is paid more regularly and gives you different National Insurance credits, which count towards your State Pension. If you claim both, you only have one Work Capability Assessment.
Income-related ESA is closed to new claims. If you already get it, you keep getting it while you are eligible, until you are moved to Universal Credit.
New Style ESA: key conditions
- You must be under State Pension age.
- You must have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.
- You must have paid enough National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years.
- You cannot get it while you get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), but you can apply up to 3 months before your SSP ends.
- You can apply whether you are employed, self-employed or unemployed.
If you get more than £85 a week from a private pension, half of the amount over £85 is taken off your ESA each week.
Step 1: Report your condition and get fit notes
When you claim Universal Credit, you can report a health condition that affects your capability to work. GOV.UK says you must get a fit note if your condition affects your capability to work for longer than 7 days. Fit notes can come from a GP or hospital doctor, registered nurse, occupational therapist, pharmacist or physiotherapist, and can be printed or digital.
Keep getting fit notes until you have been sent your assessment decision. If you do not, you may be expected to work or look for work. You will get a reminder before your fit note expires. Our sick pay and fit notes guide explains fit notes in more detail.
Step 2: The Work Capability Assessment (WCA)
If your condition affects your capability to work for longer than 28 days, you may need a WCA. GOV.UK notes you might not get one if you earn over £881 a month.
- The questionnaire. You fill in the WCA50 "Capability for Work" questionnaire (ESA has its own version). You can send copies of medical information, such as treatment plans or test results.
- The assessment. It can be in person, by video call or by phone. You can have someone with you, such as a friend or support worker. The audio is recorded unless you contact the assessment provider to say you do not want this.
- The decision. DWP decides whether you are fit for work, have limited capability for work (LCW), or have limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA).
The physical activities that often matter with arthritis
The WCA is a points-based test. The physical activities are set out in law in Schedule 6 of the Universal Credit Regulations 2013. You meet the LCW test if you score at least 15 points. The physical activities include:
| Activity | What it looks at (summarised) | Arthritis examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Mobilising | How far you can move (for example 50, 100 or 200 metres) on level ground, with any aid you normally use, without stopping to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion, and whether you can do it repeatedly | Hip, knee or foot pain; fatigue |
| 2. Standing and sitting | Whether you can stay at a work station, standing, sitting or a mix, for more than 30 minutes or an hour before needing to move away | Back, hip and knee pain; stiffness |
| 3. Reaching | Whether you can raise either arm to a top pocket, to the top of your head or above head height | Shoulder arthritis |
| 4. Picking up and moving | Whether you can pick up and move a half-litre or litre carton of liquid, or a light but bulky object such as an empty box | Hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder problems |
| 5. Manual dexterity | Whether you can press a button, turn pages, pick up a £1 coin, use a pen or use a suitable keyboard or mouse | Hand arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis |
The other activities cover things like communication, continence and mental, cognitive and intellectual function. You can read the exact wording on legislation.gov.uk.
Tips for the questionnaire
- Focus on reliability. Can you do the activity repeatedly, without significant discomfort or exhaustion, and in a reasonable time? Explain what happens if you try.
- Describe bad days and flares, how often they happen and how long they last. Do not describe your best day as if it is normal.
- Include after-effects. If walking to the shop means you need to lie down for two hours, say so.
- Mention aids such as walking sticks or adapted cutlery, and how much they help.
- Send evidence that describes your function, not just your diagnosis: letters from your rheumatologist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist, and your medication list.
- Keep a copy of everything you send, and note the date.
Our PIP evidence diary is designed for PIP, but the same approach of recording real days works well for the WCA.
Step 3: What the decision means
| Outcome | What it means for Universal Credit |
|---|---|
| Fit for work | You agree to look for work suitable for your health. You get the standard allowance based on your circumstances. |
| Limited capability for work (LCW): need to prepare for work in the future | Your work coach agrees steps to prepare for work, such as writing a CV. You do not need new fit notes. There is usually no extra money unless your claim started before 3 April 2017. |
| Limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) | You do not need to look for or prepare for work. You may get an extra monthly amount on top of your standard allowance. |
For New Style ESA, the groups are called the work-related activity group (regular interviews with a work coach) and the support group (no interviews, and no sanctions). New Style ESA lasts 365 days in the work-related activity group. There is no time limit in the support group.
How much: the LCWRA changes from 6 April 2026
The Universal Credit Act 2025 changed the LCWRA extra amount from 6 April 2026 in England, Scotland and Wales. It now has two rates. On 10 October 2026, GOV.UK showed:
- £429.80 a month if you have a severe health condition or disability that is unlikely to change, or you are nearing the end of life
- £217.26 a month if your condition is assessed as less severe or may improve over time
You get the higher amount if you told DWP about your health condition before 6 April 2026, were already getting LCWRA before then, or had the ESA support group before then and continue to get it until you claim Universal Credit. You also get it at any time if you have a severe, lifelong condition or are nearing the end of life.
GOV.UK says you are treated as having a severe, lifelong condition if it means you cannot work, will last your whole life, will not get better and is officially diagnosed by a health professional. A health professional reviews your evidence as part of the WCA.
For New Style ESA, GOV.UK showed up to £95.55 a week in the work-related activity group and up to £145.90 a week in the support group, with an assessment rate for the first 13 weeks. For all current figures, see GOV.UK: what you'll get and GOV.UK: ESA.
If you live with your partner and you both have LCWRA, you only get one extra amount. You also cannot get the Universal Credit carer element as well as LCWRA.
Working while claiming
- Universal Credit: you can work if you feel able to, even with LCW or LCWRA. If you have LCW or LCWRA, you can earn up to a certain amount (the work allowance) before your payment is affected. If you start working, you will not usually need another assessment unless your health changes.
- ESA: you can usually work while claiming if you work less than 16 hours a week and earn no more than £203.50 a week (checked 10 October 2026). Fill in the ESA permitted work form first.
If arthritis is making work harder rather than impossible, look at Access to Work and reasonable adjustments too.
If you disagree with a decision
- Ask for mandatory reconsideration. You usually need to ask DWP to look at the decision again first, normally within one month of the date on your decision letter.
- Appeal to the tribunal. If you still disagree, appeal to the independent Social Security and Child Support Tribunal within one month of your mandatory reconsideration notice.
Many of the tips in our PIP appeal guide apply to WCA challenges too: go back through the descriptors and show which ones apply and why.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Scotland and Wales: Universal Credit, ESA and the WCA follow the rules above.
- Northern Ireland: Universal Credit and ESA are run by the Department for Communities. The process is similar but contact details, questionnaires and some details differ. Check nidirect. The April 2026 LCWRA guidance quoted above says it applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
Free, independent advice
Citizens Advice, Turn2us (including its benefits calculator), Scope and Disability Rights UK all offer free information. In Northern Ireland, Advice NI can help. We are not connected to these organisations. A welfare rights adviser can be especially useful before a WCA or an appeal.
When to get medical help
If your arthritis is getting worse, or you are struggling to cope, speak to your GP or rheumatology team. Treatment might need adjusting, and a clear record of how your condition affects you can also support your claim. If money worries are affecting your mental health, tell your GP. If you are in crisis, call NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health in England), or Samaritans on 116 123.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Universal Credit for arthritis?
Universal Credit depends on your household income, savings and circumstances, not your diagnosis. If arthritis limits your capability to work, you can report it, and a WCA may decide whether you get extra support.
What is the difference between LCW and LCWRA?
LCW means you have limited capability for work now and need to prepare for work in the future. LCWRA means you do not need to look for or prepare for work, and you may get an extra monthly amount.
Can I claim ESA and Universal Credit at the same time?
Yes, you may be able to. Your Universal Credit is reduced by the New Style ESA you get, and you only have one WCA.
Do I need fit notes while waiting for my WCA?
Yes. Keep getting fit notes and providing the details until you have been sent your assessment decision.
Can I get PIP as well?
Yes. PIP is separate and is not means-tested. Getting PIP does not mean you will get LCWRA, or the other way round, because the tests are different.
Does the April 2026 change affect me if I already get LCWRA?
GOV.UK says the changes do not affect you if you have been getting LCWRA since before 6 April 2026.
How long do I have to challenge a decision?
Usually one month from the date on your decision letter to ask for mandatory reconsideration, and one month from the mandatory reconsideration notice to appeal.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit
- GOV.UK: Universal Credit – what you'll get
- GOV.UK: Universal Credit – what you could get if you have a health condition or disability (from 6 April 2026)
- GOV.UK: Employment and Support Allowance
- legislation.gov.uk: Universal Credit Regulations 2013, Schedule 6
- GOV.UK: Appeal a benefit decision
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom — not legal, financial or personal medical advice. Benefit rules and rates change, so always check GOV.UK (or mygov.scot / nidirect) and get free advice before you act. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical and editorial review. Everyone's situation is different, so always follow the advice of your own GP, pharmacist or rheumatology team. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Benefits and PIP hub — money and support
- Complete PIP guide — a separate disability benefit
- Sick pay and fit notes — time off work
- Access to Work — staying in work
- Disability benefits FAQ — common questions
- Pain relief guide — managing symptoms