Over recent training sessions, we’ve spent considerable time exploring how Universal Credit (UC) supports people who are ill or disabled and claiming on the grounds of being unable to work.

This half-day update, will build on that foundation by covering the latest changes for 2026-27, including new benefit rates and key announcements from the November budget statement.   In addition, we will examine the main provisions of the Universal Credit Act, which has now received Royal Assent.

With proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) currently on hold, we will look at the aspects of the UC Act which will significantly affect people who have gone through the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), and new UC claimants beginning their ‘health journey’.

This will be essential preparation for staff supporting people with health conditions or disabilities through the UC process.

In particular, we will look at:

• Budget Statement announcements affecting all benefits
• Updated benefit rates
• The introduction of the new ‘two-tier’ system, effective from April 26
• How the new system will operate for both existing and new claimants
• A ‘more-than-inflation’ increase to UC standard allowances
• Exemptions for those with terminal conditions, or who meet the severe conditions criteria – what these terms actually mean
• Tricky rules for those requesting reviews
• Checking the calculations

By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of how these reforms will work in practice and how to support clients confidently through the upcoming changes.

Who should attend?

This Zoom session is designed for staff with a working knowledge of the Universal Credit system, and who have previously had training on the Work Capability Assessment, LCW and LCWRA.  Familiarity with these terms will be assumed – this is really important!

Please attend Benefits for Beginners first if you are not sure what these terms mean.

Level:

Intermediate

The trainer’s knowledge, energy and ability to manage the space was extremely well done.  Sharing tools to empower our clients and highlighting important language and regulations.  Also the case studies were brilliant as it brought the training to life and was really memorable.

 

Duration

This half-day course will be delivered on 17 March 2026 (am).

Please note, this online course will not be recorded.

In-house

This course is also available in-house, and prices start from £484 for up to 14 people.  This can be a cost-effective way of training staff and can be tailored to best meet the needs of your organisation.

For more information see In-house Training 

Please contact the Learning & Development Team for further assistance at [email protected] or telephone  01273 645420