Rent and Benefit Changes: What you Need to Know for April 2026

Rent Increases

From April, your rent may increase.
If your benefits don’t cover the full amount, you’ll need to pay the difference.

Make sure you update your details:

• Universal Credit:
  Report the change to your housing costs through your UC journal.
• Housing Benefit:
  Contact Renfrewshire Council to update your claim as soon as the change takes effect.

Updating your information promptly helps keep payments accurate and prevents arrears.

Changes to Universal Credit

Transitional Protection

If you receive transitional protection, this may reduce if your income or housing costs increase. Our team can help you check whether this affects you.

LCWRA Replaced by the Health Element (from 6 April)

The Limited Capability for Work and Work‑Related Activity (LCWRA) element (around £423 per month) is being replaced with a lower Health Element (around £217 per month) for people newly assessed after 6 April 2026.

If you currently receive LCWRA, this change does not apply to your existing award.

Support for Families in Scotland

Scottish families affected by the two‑child limit may now receive additional support for children who were previously excluded.
This additional payment can help with:

• food and essential items
• clothing and school costs
• childcare

If you’re unsure whether this applies to your family, we can help check.

Extra Support You May Be Able to Access

There are several sources of additional help:

• Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP):
  Short‑term assistance if your rent isn’t fully covered.
• Energy vouchers:
  Help with rising energy costs for eligible households.
• Charitable grants:
  Support from local and national charities for essential items and emergencies.

If you’re not sure what you might qualify for, we’re here to guide you.

How Our Financial Wellbeing Team Can Help

We offer confidential, practical support with:

• Benefit checks and income maximisation
• Understanding your Universal Credit changes
• Applications for extra housing support
• Budgeting and money advice

Even a short appointment could reveal extra income or support you didn’t know you were entitled to.