People planning to claim Universal Credit due to a health condition could see their payments almost halved under changes in the new tax year. 

From Monday, the government is overhauling the way the limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit works. 

The benefit gives financial support to people with a health condition or disability that restricts their ability to work. 

At the moment, this is £423.27 a month. 

While this will rise to £429.80 a month next week, a lower amount of £217.26 a month will be introduced, and claimants will be assessed to determine which amount they get. 

Citizens Advice says people who report their condition and ask for a health assessment before Monday and are later found to be eligible for the payment will get the higher amount. 

But it warned that most people who do this after Monday will get the lower amount. 

Almost 1.8 million people receive LCWRA, according to the latest government data. 

Claimants could get the higher amount if they applied before the new tax year, they have continuously received it before the changes, they are classed as having severe conditions or they are terminally ill. 

The Department for Work and Pensions will assess how difficult applicants find certain everyday activities to decide if they meet the severe conditions criteria.